*  *  *  Directors of Ceremony Your Excellency Dr Hifikepunye Pohamba, President of the Republic of Namibia and First Lady Meme Pohamba Right Honourable Prime Minister, Nahas Angula Honourable Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr. Theo Ben Gurirab Honourable Chairperson of the National Council, Asser Kapere Honourable Chief Justice, Judge Peter Shivute Honourable Ministers Honourable Members of Parliament Members of the Diplomatic Corps Honourable Katrina Hanse-Himarwa, Governor of the Hardap Region and other Governors from other regions Your Worship, Alex Kamburute, Mayor of Mariental and other Mayors from other local authorities Local and Regional Authority Councillors, Traditional Leaders Senior Government Officials Members of the Media Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen  Good afternoon I am humbled and privileged for this opportunity to make few remarks and introduce the video about Namibia’s new generation of banknotes.
Human Development Indicators remain low as almost half of the population is illiterate, infant and maternal mortality rates are high, access to quality education and health care particularly by the poor is limited, income and regional inequalities are widespread, infrastructure shortages and deficiencies persist, skill shortages are taking a toll in the economy’s productivity while at the same time, there is high unemployment and underemployment.