The Opposition has accused the government of failing to fulfill its duty during the 2025/2026 budget debate, citing a lack of preparedness among ministers to present their plans and policies. The critique was voiced by PNM MPs Marvin Gonzales, Colm Imbert, and Symon de Nobriga during a press conference at Balisier House in Port of Spain on October 18. They expressed surprise at the government’s decision to prematurely conclude the debate, which they described as an evasion of accountability. Gonzales highlighted that only two senior ministers participated in the debate, while seven PNM MPs responded, leaving key portfolios such as Homeland Security, Education, and Energy unaddressed. The Opposition’s strategy was to reserve their speakers for responding to senior ministers rather than UNC backbenchers. However, the government’s refusal to engage further forced the Finance Minister to hastily wind up the session without addressing critical points raised by the Opposition. Imbert emphasized that the government’s failure to clarify budget measures and respond to discrepancies in tax impacts was a disservice to the public. Gonzales also criticized the Prime Minister’s absence, particularly given the need to address the retrenchment of thousands of workers. Additionally, he condemned the referral of Opposition Leader Beckles to the Privileges Committee as a procedural breach and an attack on democratic processes, vowing that the PNM would address this issue.