Education Budget Cuts Draw Criticism from Opposition MP Richard Lewis

Opposition Member of Parliament Richard Lewis has raised strong concerns about reductions in the education budget, calling into question the government’s commitment to improving Antigua and Barbuda’s education system. Speaking during the 2025 national budget debate, Lewis pointed to a significant decrease in funding for education and sports, highlighting its potential impact on schools, students, and the broader community.

Citing figures from the government’s business plan, Lewis revealed that the education sector has been allocated $174.58 million for recurrent expenditure in 2025—a drop of $10 million compared to the previous year. He also noted that while salaries and transfers account for 91.6% of the total allocation, this leaves only $14.7 million to cover other critical expenses, a decrease of $8.7 million or 37% from the prior year.

“Education is the backbone of any society, yet we are seeing cuts that will further strain a system already facing significant challenges,” Lewis remarked. He emphasized that the reduction will hamper the ability of schools to implement necessary programs, improve infrastructure, and provide quality resources for students.

Lewis also criticized the absence of a detailed business plan for primary and secondary education, which he described as an “unacceptable oversight.” He expressed concern that without a clear strategy, critical areas of education risk being neglected.

“Primary and secondary education are the foundation of our learning process, yet there is no clear outline in this budget of how we plan to support these critical stages,” he said. He called on the Ministry of Education to submit comprehensive plans to Parliament, ensuring accountability and transparency in the sector’s future development.

Lewis underscored the urgency of addressing the country’s low academic performance, particularly in key subjects such as mathematics and English. He pointed to the alarming statistic that only 19% of students achieved passes in five or more subjects, including math and English, in 2024—a regression from 22% in 2023.

To tackle this issue, Lewis proposed a series of remedial measures, including:

• Mathematics and English Boot Camps: Intensive programs for students in their final years of secondary school to better prepare them for exams.
• Specialized Teaching: Deployment of teachers focused solely on mathematics and English in primary schools to cultivate early proficiency and interest in these subjects.
• Engagement with CXC: Discussions with the Caribbean Examinations Council to address systemic challenges affecting student performance across the region.

“We need to think creatively and act decisively,” Lewis stated. “Remedial programs and early interventions can make a significant difference, but we need the funding and the commitment to see them through.”

While Lewis acknowledged some positive steps, such as the ongoing efforts to modernize the e-book platform, he stressed the need for greater transparency and accountability in the implementation of these initiatives. He urged the government to prioritize education as a critical investment in the nation’s future.

“The cuts we see in this budget send the wrong message to the people of Antigua and Barbuda,” Lewis concluded. “Education is not an area where we can afford to compromise.”

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