As in previous years, the largest share of the Government's FY2001 expenditure budget goes to the Social Development sector, which accounts for 43.4 percent of total expenditure. Education, Health, Community Development & Sports, Information & the Arts and Public Housing will all get substantial increases in their budget allocation. These increases are in line with the Government's policy of educating the young, and looking after the people's welfare, health, cultural and housing needs.

The next largest sector is the Security & External Relations sector. We will continue to invest heavily in the security of our nation and in building warm ties with other countries. Although this sector takes up 36.6 percent of the total expenditure budget, it is money well spent, for without peace and security, we would not have secure homes and economic growth.

Economic Development is the third largest sector. This sector takes up 15.0 percent of the total expenditure budget. It represents our continued investment in infrastructure, creation of new economic activities and comprehensive development of our workforce.

The Government Administration sector remains the smallest sector, comprising 5.0 percent of the total expenditure budget. We will continue to keep this the smallest sector as our policy is to keep central administration small and let operational ministries have the bulk of the resources.