by Linda Straker
- Pierre said budget does nothing to address safeguards against potential economic shocks, and broken healthcare system
- Forecasted numbers raise concerns about future economic stability of nation
- Pointed to areas of overspending and underspending by Government based on estimates in 2024 budget
Describing the 2025 Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure as troubling, Opposition Leader Emmalin Pierre told the House on Monday in her rebuttal that the budget is not a budget for the people, but a budget for the few.
“Our people deserve better, and I will continue to stand with them, advocating for their interests, ensuring that their voices are heard, while pushing for real change,” Pierre said in response to the EC$1,912,872,014 budget which was presented last Friday in the Lower House of Parliament by Finance Minister Dennis Cornwall.
“I cannot, in good conscience, support this budget. It does nothing to address the urgent crises facing our people or the need for safeguards against potential economic shocks, and the broken healthcare system in crisis,” she said. Pierre became Opposition Leader in early March 2025 after former Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell handed over the role to her. “It fails to create meaningful opportunities for the business communities for our citizens, nor will it create new jobs. It fails to inspire hope in our youth. It will not stimulate the economy nor reduce the cost of living.”
Pierre is the second woman to be appointed as the Opposition Leader in the Lower House of Parliament.
Speaking about the growing public debt of the country, Pierre said that looking at forecasted numbers it raises concerns about the future economic stability of the nation. “With the current trajectory, in less than 3 years, this government could, with a single stroke of a pen, drive our national debt to approximately $3 billion,” describing it as a staggering 43% increase.
Reminding the House that Government is seeking the members’ approval to borrow $825 million under the 2025 Budget Loan Authorisation Bill, Pierre said that the amount is more than half of the country’s total budgeted expenses and this borrowing reflects a staggering lack of fiscal responsibility. “This is not just borrowing; it is an invitation to financial instability that will burden our citizens for generations to come,” said Pierre.
She said that some people may argue that debt is necessary for investment in vital capital projects and that affordability should guide when making such decisions. “I acknowledge this perspective, as it supports my suggestion of an expansionary policy stance at this time. However, in this instance, the funds are not being earmarked for capital projects; they are being directed toward financing the operations of the state, particularly in the area of outsource services for advisors, security services, travel expenses, and the like,” she said.
Pointing out some areas of overspending and underspending by Government based on estimates in the 2024 budget, she told the House that international travelling is more of a priority than improving the healthcare system.
“In the 2024 budget, $122.89 million was allocated for healthcare, but $24 million remained unspent…the reverse holds true for the jet-setting Prime Minister’s ministry. The Prime Minister’s ministry overspent by EC$2.1 million for international travel, hosting and entertainment — far exceeding what was budgeted,” she pointed out.
