March participants, first responders, onlookers and the professional teams at the Princess Margaret Hospital worked with great compassion and urgency to care for the dead and injured. We commend all those who came to the aid of those affected by this tragedy.

Government ministers and other officials will continue to offer immediate support and ongoing assistance.

We are committed to doing all that we can to assist the family members of the deceased, and those injured and their families.

On behalf of the people and Government of The Bahamas, and on my own behalf, and that of my wife, Patricia, I extend heartfelt condolences to the families, colleagues and friends of those who lost their lives today.

Our prayers and thoughts remain with the deceased and all those affected by today’s terrible tragedy.

I was previously scheduled to visit Eleuthera and Long Island over the holiday weekend but because of this tragedy I will return to New Providence tomorrow.

I will visit the families of those who lost loved ones and those who were injured. Later, I will give a national address.

As our union leaders and workers demonstrated during this morning’s march, we will be united in this time of tragedy and suffering.