Antigua and Barbuda’s Parliament is poised to recommence deliberations on the landmark 2026 national budget this coming Monday, with government ministers preparing to unveil comprehensive policy overhauls across critical sectors. The upcoming parliamentary session follows Thursday’s presentation of what Cabinet officials have characterized as a transformative, people-centered fiscal plan emphasizing economic stability, social welfare, and climate resilience.
During Friday’s post-Cabinet media briefing, Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant revealed that ministers will elaborate on initiatives initially introduced during the Prime Minister’s budget address. These include unprecedented fiscal achievements, sector-wide modernization efforts, and numerous innovative social and development programs designed to bolster national progress.
The ministerial lineup features significant announcements: Sports Minister Daryl Matthew will detail the newly approved national sports development framework, incorporating a state-of-the-art Center of Excellence and the strategic conversion of rural athletic fields into specialized training facilities. Simultaneously, Agriculture Minister Anthony Smith is scheduled to introduce a groundbreaking program focused on enhancing food security, providing substantial support to agricultural workers, and implementing contemporary farming methodologies.
Further ministerial presentations will address wide-ranging reforms discussed in Cabinet sessions, including substantial healthcare enhancements such as the scheduled reopening of the national cancer treatment facility in early 2026. Additional medical advancements comprise the establishment of a specialized chest and cardiac center through a collaborative partnership with China, alongside the implementation of a National Health Insurance system.
The budget debate will also feature updates on government initiatives to distribute construction materials to economically vulnerable households, expand nationwide broadband access via APUA’s innovative WITS program, and accelerate preparatory measures for the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. Opposition parliamentarians, led by opposition leader Jamale Pringle, are expected to deliver their formal responses to the proposed budgetary measures during the session.