Since independence in 1966 we have demonstrated strong economic growth, with nearly 9% growth recorded year on year for more than four decades. Historically this growth has been driven primarily by the nation’s natural resources: mining, nature-based tourism, and agriculture. The development of these resources have been supported by sound macroeconomic policies, strong financial management and the implementation of incentives to attract private enterprise against a background of political stability. Recognising the importance of the environment to securing this sustainable growth, this has been accomplished with relatively little environmental degradation or loss of biodiversity. Although the economy has been on a regressive mode in the past eight years, there are elements that if properly done, will restore growth again. Reflecting on these economic achievements, levels of poverty have been halved over the past 20 years and there have been substantial improvements in a range of social indicators. However, there are a number of persistent challenges. Just under 6.5% of the population is estimated to live on less than US$1 per day. High levels of income inequality and persistent unemployment, at around 17.8% of the population continue to disproportionately afflict the youth. Despite significant advancements and one of the most progressive…