The national address came six hours after Parliament was officially dissolved by a proclamation from Governor General Sir Arthur Foulkes. Provost Marshal Ellison Greenslade read the proclamation on the steps on the House of Assembly at 2 pm.

Greenslade also read a second proclamation later in the day, indicating that Parliament will reconvene on May 23.

In his address, the prime minister recounted the challenges his administration has faced — from the 2008 global recession to a rise in violent crime.

The prime minister said his government has made progress in restoring the country’s economic and national security. He also touted the various infrastructure projects his administration has presided over during its current term. 

“Elsewhere, we are making progress in terms of economic recovery and national security. And we have invested in making our country better every day,” he said.

“These things were not done because we like roads or we like building; they were done because we love the people of our country.”