Senate Minority Leader David Massiah on Tuesday said the government’s 2026 budget fails to adequately address the cost-of-living pressures facing households, arguing that headline economic claims do not reflect the everyday realities of working people.
Responding to the budget presentation in the Upper House, Massiah said the government’s fiscal narrative relies too heavily on surplus figures that disappear once debt obligations are taken into account.
“The government’s fiscal narrative depends on a surplus that disappears the moment debt repayments are included,” Massiah told senators.
He said that approach masks the financial strain being felt by families and workers, and called for a more honest and comprehensive assessment of household income and living costs.
Massiah argued that while the budget contains some positive elements, it lacks a coherent strategy aimed at easing affordability pressures.
“Antigua and Barbuda deserves a budget that tells the whole truth, protects the vulnerable, diversifies the economy, strengthens transparency, and secures long-term sustainability of our social security and national finances,” he said.
He acknowledged that aspects of the budget were constructive but said they did not go far enough in addressing the daily challenges faced by citizens.
“Yes, there are some positive elements. I would never say that they’re not positive elements,” Massiah said. “But this budget, despite its positive elements, does not yet provide that foundation.”
From a labour and public-interest perspective, Massiah said key cost-of-living and income concerns were insufficiently substantiated in the budget, particularly in relation to wages, household earnings and economic security.
“From a labour practitioner’s standpoint,” he said, “a careful review of what was more or less the labour-related pronouncements within the budget… it is unclear.”
He said the absence of a clearly defined household income and cost-of-living strategy raises concerns about how economic growth will translate into meaningful relief for ordinary citizens.
Massiah said the Senate has a responsibility to scrutinize whether fiscal policies genuinely protect vulnerable groups and support long-term financial stability rather than relying on optimistic projections.
“With those few words, I rest,” he told the chamber, concluding his response to the budget.
Debate on the 2026 Appropriation Bill continues in the Senate, with further contributions expected from government and opposition members
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