Opposition Leader rubbishes 2026 National Budget

OPPOSITION LEADER, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, has rubbished the 2026 Budget presented by Prime Minister, Dr. Godwin Friday stating that it is inadequate.

The 2026 Appropriation Bill was presented by Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Dr. Godwin Friday, on Monday, February 9, 2026, eleven days after laying the 2026 Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure in Parliament on January 29. It totals one billion, eight hundred and and eighty-five million, six hundred and nine thousand, nine hundred and sixty-five Eastern Caribbean dollars (EC$1.9 billion).

Recurrent expenditure amounts to EC$1.31 billion, including amortisation and sinking fund contributions, while capital spending is projected at EC$577.3 million. Financing is expected from current revenue of EC$906.9 million, and capital receipts of EC$978.7 million. Dr. Friday acknowledged a current deficit of EC$105.5 million.

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