In a significant endorsement of national fiscal policy, newly appointed Senator Kiz Johnson has thrown her full support behind the 2026 Budget, characterizing it as a transformative investment in human capital development. During the Senate debate on the Appropriation Bill 2025, Johnson articulated a compelling vision for national progress through educational advancement and entrepreneurial support.
The legislative debate revealed substantial financial commitments, with Johnson highlighting the landmark $220.1 million allocation for education as evidence of the administration’s dedication to long-term development strategies. The senator detailed several groundbreaking initiatives, including comprehensive coverage of CXC examination fees for both public and private school students, the implementation of tuition-free studies at the Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies commencing in 2026, and planned tuition-free programs at the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus for qualifying nationals.
Johnson particularly emphasized the strategic introduction of Bachelor of Laws degrees at UWI Five Islands through collaboration with the UWI Mona Faculty of Law, noting this development would significantly reduce financial burdens on families while simultaneously enhancing the nation’s professional capabilities.
The senator provided substantive evidence of existing program success, referencing the Youth Empowerment and Education Programme which has benefited over 8,000 individuals since 2016 while maintaining an exceptional 92% pass rate at CSEC and CAPE examinations. She specifically noted the program’s comprehensive support services, including childcare provisions and counseling services that enable participation.
Regarding economic development, Johnson reported record-breaking performance in the Entrepreneur Development Programme, which disbursed $1.6 million by October 2025 representing its most successful year to date. Concurrently, the National Student Loan Fund maintained consistent annual disbursements of approximately $1.6 million between 2022 and 2025, with notably strong participation from female applicants.
In a personal reflection, Johnson explained her transition from independent advocacy to governmental leadership, stating that direct involvement within the government structure would enable more substantial impact and meaningful contribution to national development initiatives.