标签： Antigua and Barbuda

During Tuesday’s Senate deliberations on the Appropriation Bill, Minority Leader David Massiah delivered a pointed critique of the government’s 2026 budgetary framework, asserting its fundamental inadequacy in protecting society’s most vulnerable segments. The opposition leader contended that while the fiscal plan contains certain commendable components, it critically lacks comprehensive safeguards for low-income households, workers, and other at-risk demographics.

Massiah challenged the government’s fiscal narrative, questioning its relevance to citizens experiencing economic hardships, particularly when accounting for national debt obligations. “The government’s fiscal narrative depends on a surplus that disappears the moment debt repayments are included,” he stated, warning that this accounting approach potentially overstates the budget’s actual capacity to protect those in greatest need.

The senator emphasized the absence of clearly articulated strategies for household income support and social protection mechanisms, raising serious concerns about how projected economic growth would tangibly benefit vulnerable populations. From a labor policy perspective, Massiah found key pronouncements within the budget insufficiently substantiated, particularly those directly affecting workers and families.

While acknowledging some positive provisions within the estimates, Massiah maintained that they collectively fail to establish the necessary foundation for ensuring long-term socioeconomic security. He called for stronger, more targeted policy measures to prevent vulnerable groups from being marginalized within broader economic planning frameworks, urging legislators to evaluate the budget beyond superficial headline figures.

Concluding his address, Massiah reinforced the Senate’s constitutional responsibility to rigorously scrutinize whether national budgets genuinely serve those most in need, as debate on the 2026 budget continues in the Upper House.

In a sharp critique delivered to the Upper House on Tuesday, Senate Minority Leader David Massiah declared the government’s 2026 budget fundamentally inadequate in confronting the severe cost-of-living pressures burdening households across Antigua and Barbuda. The opposition leader contended that the administration’s celebratory economic narratives bear little resemblance to the daily financial realities experienced by working citizens.

Massiah systematically dismantled the government’s fiscal framework, highlighting its excessive reliance on surplus figures that he characterized as illusory. “The government’s fiscal narrative depends on a surplus that vanishes instantaneously when debt repayment obligations enter the equation,” Massiah stated before assembled senators, asserting that this accounting approach obscures the genuine financial strain affecting families and workers nationwide.

While acknowledging certain constructive elements within the budget proposal, the opposition leader emphasized these measures remained insufficient to form a coherent strategy addressing affordability concerns. From his perspective as a labor practitioner, Massiah expressed particular concern about the budget’s failure to substantiate key provisions regarding wages, household earnings, and economic security mechanisms.

“Antigua and Barbuda merits a budget that embraces complete transparency, safeguards vulnerable populations, stimulates economic diversification, enhances governmental accountability, and ensures the enduring sustainability of both our social security systems and national finances,” Massiah asserted, framing these omissions as critical failures in governance.

The senator further questioned how projected economic growth would translate into tangible relief for ordinary citizens absent a clearly defined household income and cost-of-living strategy. He emphasized the Senate’s constitutional responsibility to rigorously examine whether fiscal policies genuinely protect disadvantaged groups while supporting long-term financial stability beyond optimistic projections.

Massiah concluded his address by reaffirming the Senate’s oversight role in budgetary matters, particularly regarding protections for vulnerable demographics and sustainable economic planning. The debate on the 2026 Appropriation Bill continues with anticipated responses from both government and opposition representatives.

The Antigua and Barbuda House of Representatives made an extraordinary departure from its legislative agenda Monday, suspending critical deliberations on the 2026 national budget to commemorate the life and legacy of former Speaker Sir Gerald Watt. The parliamentary session transformed into a solemn tribute following the announcement of Sir Gerald’s passing, prompting a rare display of cross-party unity as government and opposition members collectively paused state affairs to honor the distinguished statesman.

Speaker Sir Osbert Frederick initiated proceedings by formally acknowledging the profound loss, leading the chamber in a moment of reflective silence before members unanimously agreed to set aside scheduled business. Prime Minister Gaston Browne, representing St. John’s City West, formally moved the motion to suspend budget debates, characterizing Sir Gerald as “a national icon” whose departure left the nation “a poorer people.”

The Prime Minister chronicled Sir Gerald’s remarkable five-decade public service journey, beginning with his appointment as Attorney General at age 33 in 1971, through his chairmanship of the Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission, culminating in his decade-long speakership from 2014. Browne emphasized how Sir Gerald’s legal expertise, unwavering integrity, and judicial independence defined his tenure, noting his rulings were consistently delivered without political consideration or external influence.

Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle (All Saints East and St. Luke) recalled Sir Gerald’s mentorship of younger parliamentarians, revealing how the former Speaker provided guidance and reassurance during his early parliamentary career. Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin delivered an emotionally charged tribute, detailing Sir Gerald’s role as both professional mentor and lifelong friend who fundamentally shaped his legal career from barrister to advocate and parliamentarian.

MP Richard Lewis (St. John’s Rural West) highlighted Sir Gerald’s unique service across multiple administrations, describing his fearlessness and candid approach as unprecedented. Multiple senior members attested to his unparalleled command of parliamentary procedure, with several noting no contemporary Speaker maintained stronger order or demonstrated deeper understanding of constitutional law.

Beyond his political contributions, members celebrated Sir Gerald’s multifaceted life as sports enthusiast, avid fisherman, and dedicated patriot deeply committed to national development. The tribute session concluded with formal condolences to his family and recognition that his contributions to Antigua and Barbuda’s legal and parliamentary systems would endure as permanent features of the nation’s historical fabric. The House subsequently resumed budget deliberations following the commemorative proceedings.

In a decisive reaffirmation of her leadership capabilities, Her Excellency Karen-Mae Hill has been re-elected to the prestigious role of President for the Administration and Budget Committee of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE). This critical appointment positions her at the helm of the organization’s financial governance and strategic fiscal planning for a new term.

The Administration and Budget Committee, a cornerstone of the BIE’s operational structure, is tasked with overseeing the financial integrity and budgetary allocations for World Expos—global events that attract millions of visitors and showcase international innovation. Hill’s re-election underscores the confidence member states have in her expertise to manage complex multinational budgets and ensure the financial sustainability of these monumental gatherings.

Her continued presidency is expected to bring stability and experienced oversight to upcoming expositions, including Expo 2025 Osaka. Diplomats and international policy analysts view this re-election as a move that guarantees consistent fiscal stewardship, which is paramount for the successful execution of large-scale international cooperation projects. Hill’s proven track record in navigating the financial complexities of previous expos played a significant role in her unanimous support.

Antigua and Barbuda’s Attorney General Sir Steadroy “Cutie” Benjamin has ignited a constitutional debate by questioning whether the nation’s Senate remains necessary for effective governance. During parliamentary proceedings on Tuesday, Benjamin challenged longstanding political structures, suggesting the country should consider transitioning to a single-chamber parliamentary system.

The senior legal official contrasted the theoretical role of upper chambers with Caribbean realities, noting that while senates in systems like Britain’s serve to review legislation and provide corrective guidance, this ideal has not materialized in the regional context. “In the Caribbean, it is not exactly the case,” Benjamin observed, referencing regional discussions about eliminating senates entirely, as occurred in Dominica.

Benjamin’s remarks form part of a comprehensive push for constitutional modernization that has been delayed for decades. He emphasized that no institution should be immune from scrutiny in serious constitutional reviews, framing the issue as one of national maturity rather than partisan politics. While not explicitly calling for immediate abolition, the Attorney General made clear that the Senate’s relevance and functionality warrant thorough examination.

This Senate debate occurs alongside other proposed constitutional changes, including transitioning to a republic status, modifying oaths of allegiance, and acceding to the Caribbean Court of Justice. Benjamin urged Parliament to initiate formal discussions under constitutional reform provisions, asserting that the time has come for proper review of the nation’s foundational document.