PM Backs Social Programme Consolidation but Rejects Cuts to Benefits
Prime Minister Gaston Browne says his administration plans to consolidate dozens of social programmes across government, but insisted that no benefits will be reduced as part of the restructuring.
Browne said approximately 38 programmes currently spread across multiple ministries could be streamlined to improve efficiency, while maintaining the level of support provided to citizens.
“I accept that they should be consolidated… possibly under a single ministry,” he said.
The proposal follows recommendations raised in recent economic discussions, including concerns about fragmentation and duplication within the social support system.
However, Browne pushed back against suggestions that consolidation should lead to tighter targeting or reduced access, warning that such approaches could limit assistance to those in need.
“The issue of targeting… I think that’s a euphemism to say that we’re too generous,” he said.
He made clear that the government intends to preserve its broad-based approach to social support, describing generosity as a defining feature of the administration’s policy.
“We will always be a generous government,” Browne said, adding that assistance will continue to be made available to those who require it.
While acknowledging that administrative improvements are needed, he drew a clear distinction between restructuring and cutting programmes.
“Consolidate, yes — but not curtail,” he said.
The Prime Minister said the government will examine options for bringing programmes under a more centralized framework in a new term, with the aim of improving coordination and service delivery.
The comments come amid ongoing debate about social spending and economic management, as Antigua and Barbuda balances efforts to maintain fiscal discipline with expanding support for vulnerable groups.
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All the social programs the people are enjoying today were introduced by the same UPP that you and your minions keep saying they haven’t done anything while they were in government. By matter of fact,if it weren’t for all the socials programs, a lot of antigua would have been hungry and living in darkness. That only shows who really care about the people of Antigua and Barbuda.
Gaston you dropping points BIG TIME, with the amount of promises I hear nothing of increase of Social Security for pensioners who worked in the Private Sector, why were we not included. There is still time before voting begins, do subben fu r we too, ah darg we be
You are not any prime minister now and all of a sudden there is an election you are promising us everything and then soon as you win all thing is for your son and you.
We voting UPP.
What are you talking about, former private worker? The least social security pension was about 3 hundred ABLP bring it up to 5 hundred and up. So what impression are you trying to give?
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