Letter to the Editor
“Silenced Voices, Hidden Agendas: The Truth Behind the Budget Debate Shutdown”
Prime Minister Gaston Browne’s decision to abruptly shut down the 2025 Budget debate is a direct attack on transparency, accountability, and good governance. This shameful act raises serious questions about what the government is trying to hide from the people of Antigua and Barbuda.
The Budget debate is the most critical opportunity for Parliament to hold the government accountable for its use of public funds. By cutting it short, Prime Minister Browne has sent a clear message: this administration is afraid to answer tough questions. What are they hiding? Why are they avoiding scrutiny? The people deserve answers, but instead, they are left with silence and suspicion.
This decision doesn’t only silence the Opposition—it also disrespects members of the Prime Minister’s own Cabinet. Five government ministers were denied the chance to present their stewardship and plans to the people. Even the ruling party’s representatives have been reduced to bystanders in a process meant to highlight their work. This is not just an attack on democracy; it’s an indictment of Gaston Browne’s leadership.
The Budget is more than numbers—it’s a roadmap for addressing the nation’s challenges, from the rising cost of living to unemployment and public services. By limiting debate, the Prime Minister has robbed the nation of solutions, discussion, and hope for the future. This shutdown isn’t just an insult to Parliament; it’s a disservice to every citizen who deserves better from their government.
It’s clear this is yet another of Gaston Browne’s head games—a tactic to distract from his administration’s failures. But the people of Antigua and Barbuda are not fools. This blatant disregard for democratic principles cannot stand.
It’s time for the people to demand better. Leadership should be about transparency, accountability, and service to the nation—not silencing voices or suppressing debate. Antigua and Barbuda deserves a government that respects its people and upholds the democratic process, not one that hides behind closed doors.
Sincerely,
Defender of the people
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“The Budget debate is the most critical opportunity for Parliament to hold the government accountable for its USE OF PUBLIC FUNDS.”
Is this why the Super-Puppet Jamale Pringle referenced no numbers, no figures, no Budget Estimates and no Ministry business plans during his irate two hour belching session?
Are the UPP leaders and acolytes on drugs? How do you raise concerns about use of funds without referencing expenditures and planned expenditures?
Empty political rhetoric was the Leader’s opinion of what holding government accountable is.
No wonder there was no will to speak beyond Richard Lewis. The Opposition’s got nothing and everybody knows it!
UPP is a joke. Clear lack of leadership. Late to class and still don’t want to use your reprieve.
LETTER: UPP MPs Miss Golden Opportunity to Debate National Budget
December 12, 202410
UPP MPs Miss Golden Opportunity to Debate National Budget
It was a comical shame of “I coulda, I woulda, shoulda.”
The recent parliamentary session presented a prime opportunity for UPP MPs to engage in a meaningful debate on the national financial budget in the lower house of parliament. Unfortunately, they failed to rise to the occasion, leaving many to wonder about their commitment to representing the interests of their constituents.
Having missed the budget presentation last year with a lame walk-out protest, yesterday’s actions have left a sour taste in my mouth.
Algernon Serpent Watts, in particular, seemed overwhelmed by the prospect of debate, visibly shaking as he attempted to articulate his thoughts during debate time. One can’t help but question his ability to effectively represent his constituents in such a state.
Kelvin Shuggy Simon’s repeated absence from debates has also raised eyebrows. Despite Prime Minister Gaston’s efforts to accommodate them on numerous occasions, they failed to take advantage of the opportunities presented to them.
Trevor Walker, usually a competent debater, faltered when he claimed to have left his notes behind. His request for time to retrieve them only added to the perception that the UPP MPs were unprepared and disorganized.
Watts’s assertion that he wanted to target Minister Smith during the debate was particularly puzzling. As an opposition MP, he should be aware that he does not have the luxury of choosing the debate order. He doesn’t need to hear what someone has to say to present; the work plan of Minister Smith’s ministry is there for all to see, debate, and criticize if necessary. His excuse of wanting to wait for Minister Smith is comical and childish.
The UPP MPs’ failure to engage in a meaningful debate on the national budget is a clear indication of their lack of preparedness and commitment to their roles. Their constituents deserve better, and it is essential that they are held accountable for their actions.
As noted in a recent article, MPs should focus on scrutinizing budget allocations and performances of ministries rather than personalizing issues and scoring political points. The UPP MPs would do well to take this advice to heart and strive to do better in the future.
“If I Coulda, Woulda, I Shoulda”
The UPP MPs’ dismal performance in parliament has been a recurring theme, and their latest antics have left many wondering if they’re truly committed to their roles. After failing to engage in a meaningful debate on the national budget, they took to the radio to make excuses for their absence.
It’s astonishing that instead of taking responsibility for their lack of preparation and engagement, they chose to shift the blame and make excuses. This behavior is not only unbecoming of elected officials but also a clear indication of their lack of accountability.
It’s time for the UPP MPs to take ownership of their actions and start putting the interests of their constituents above their own. The people of Antigua and Barbuda deserve better representation, and it is imperative that their elected officials start delivering.
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10 COMMENTS
boomboom
December 12, 2024 At 8:49 am
HA HA Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha ! This is hilarious !
What a big joke these UPP MPs are……smh…
Some advice to the UPP MPs, go home, you all go home, you ain’t fit fart, you are all summed up and equal to half an effort for one stink fart.
Because the fart was half an effort by you guys only showing up in suits, you still don’t qualify.
Reply
PatriotPatriot
December 12, 2024 At 8:51 am
Wait stop the press! These suck up artist letter writers. Like Donna, Lamin, Colin and he wife, Tabor, Dave Ray, Cornell Hughes and now chet and the boy Matthew, fake degree Troy and the other bull poppers in the Labour party go and lick the a**hole of the dawg. Let me ask you all a question where was Robin, Max, Chet, Darell, Molwyn and Cutie? What happen the dawg spoke for them. I am waiting on your answer
Wait stop the press! These suck up artist letter writers. Like Donna, Lamin, Colin and he wife, Tabor, Dave Ray, Cornell Hughes and now chet and the boy Matthew, fake degree Troy and the other bull poppers in the Labour party go and lick the a**hole of the dawg. Let me ask you all a question where was Robin, Max, Chet, Darell, Molwyn and Cutie? What happen the dawg spoke for them. I am waiting on your answer