Opposition MP Challenges Government’s Claims on Employment and Budgetary Stability
Opposition Member of Parliament Richard Lewis has raised serious concerns over the government’s portrayal of the employment situation and fiscal health in the Budget Statement.
Lewis argued that the presented figures do not provide a comprehensive view of the unemployment rate and highlighted alarming trends in the country’s financial allocations.
Employment Numbers Questioned
Lewis pointed to specific excerpts from the Budget Statement, specifically on page 6, paragraphs 3 and 4, where it is stated, “…figures from the Antigua and Barbuda Social Security Board, for January to September 2023, paint a vivid picture of the steady improvement of the numbers of our people in employment and growth in their income. A remarkable 43,946 employed and self-employed contributors reported earnings totaling $975 million during this period.”
However, Lewis contended that the statement failed to acknowledge the crucial information about the number of individuals newly registered as employed or self-employed contributors to the Social Security Scheme. This omission, according to Lewis, creates a distorted view of the true unemployment rate in the country.
“We cannot rely solely on the reported earnings and must consider the overall picture of registered workers contributing to the Social Security Scheme. The government’s failure to provide this information raises questions about the accuracy of their claims on employment growth,” said Lewis.
He further highlighted the plight of hundreds of unemployed individuals actively seeking jobs daily, flooding the Labour Department with job requests. Lewis argued that this stark reality contradicts the government’s optimistic portrayal of employment trends.
Budgetary Red Flags
Lewis also directed attention to Appendix 2, page 46 of the Budget Statement, where projected revenues and grants are listed at $1.22 billion. Notably, 62.3% of this amount ($756.7 million) is allocated for salaries, wages, pensions, and gratuities. Additionally, a significant portion, 57.7% ($701.5 million), is earmarked for debt servicing, covering interest and principal repayments.
The Opposition MP expressed deep concern about the implications of these allocations, asserting that the country is already in a precarious financial situation. “To cover salaries, pensions, and debt servicing alone, we are already in the red with a deficit of $242.8 million, approximately 20%. Borrowing becomes a necessity to meet these critical expenditure items, leaving us in a vulnerable position,” warned Lewis.
Lewis argued that the need for additional borrowing to fund infrastructure, social development, healthcare, education, and other sectors further exacerbates the financial strain on the country.
Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Antigua!
We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages.
Contact us at [email protected]
