Prime Minister Gaston Browne Slams Opposition’s Absence as “Irresponsible” During 2024 Budget Debate
Prime Minister Gaston Browne delivered a scathing rebuke to the absent members of the opposition during the wrap-up of the 2024 budget debate in the lower house, calling their non-participation in the crucial annual discussion “most irresponsible.”
In a passionate address to the Parliament, Prime Minister Browne expressed his disappointment in the opposition’s decision to skip the budget debate, emphasizing its significance in the democratic process.
He highlighted that all members, including the opposition, received the necessary documentation and estimates simultaneously, allowing ample time for preparation.
“My colleagues here got the documentation, the estimate, the budget statement precisely the same time as the members of the opposition got theirs,” Browne asserted. “The fact that the members of the opposition did not present themselves is a cop-out.”
Prime Minister Browne suggested that the opposition’s absence may have been a deliberate move to avoid facing the government’s arguments head-on. He claimed that the opposition might have been too embarrassed to repeat what he described as “lies” during the budget statement.
“We would have nailed the lies, and they were too embarrassed to stand up in this Parliament and to continue those lies,” Browne declared.
The Prime Minister further speculated that the opposition’s behavior could be indicative of their lack of capacity and readiness to engage in a meaningful debate.
He insinuated that the opposition’s avoidance of the debate was a form of self-preservation to prevent undermining themselves in the public eye.
“If they had capacity, even if we had decided to start the debate the following day, they would have been in a position, if they were following the debates all along for the last several years, to speak with some authority,” Browne remarked.
Prime Minister Browne also hinted at a possible connection between the opposition’s absence and an upcoming leadership contest within their ranks.
He suggested that the opposition may have sought to avoid public embarrassment before their electoral contest to select a leader.
Prime Minister Browne urged the opposition to recognize the importance of their role in the parliamentary process and called on them to engage in constructive debates rather than resorting to alternative platforms to express their views.
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This idiot dares to call anyone a liar? Mr. Knight is so right. A key requirement to be an ALP follower is to be shameless. Is there anyone in Antigua and Barbuda more lie that Gaston Browne?
It was really amusing to watch them just speaking to a parliament void of opposition. I think these clowns live in some other reality.
Pixie says there is a construction boom. Must be in her imagination. Tek Chet says that UPP ‘s absence shows lack of performance. No wonder he couldn’t make it in Cuba.
Again. Great move UPP. All Gassy had to do was follow the rules, but the man is just bad-minded, narcissistic and just to, to lie.
Dam Hitler, remember what happen to hitler in the end
Gaston you are a waste.
Why would they be afraid to debate you? Gimme an aspirin. You always sound so bombastic just as you did against Shuggy and you all but fell flat on your dam face, but that has not shutted you up.
Sid dung with the rassing that shuggy and the UPP put on you rear.
At least the UPP shows itself to be a democratic organisation. What of the ABLP, they all live in fear of you. That shows lack of respect for you as leader.
Antiguans need relief and this budget does nothing to ease the frustrations that we are currently facing. The government has not presented any plans that will address the high inflation and cost of living.
Tell Gaston Browne to keep the promises he made in the March 2023 Budget debate. He said he would raise the revenue required to increase the wages of public servants by eliminating waste and improving collection of existing taxes. We can expect more of the same reckless spending and abuse of vendors. Time for this crook to go!
A Bunch of Lousy People (ABLP)
I tenm@n can’t support them no more. My leader is too lie,they look idiotic all by themselves . It reminds me when they is a show and no tickets was purchase. Them flap!flap!
This is called Identity Theft.
You guys would do any and everything to mislead and deceive the people.
But God is not sleeping.
ALL OF THE MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT ON THE GOVERNMENT SIDE ARE MEMBERS OF CABINET.THEY WOULD MEET EVERY WEEK TO DISCUSS ALL ISSUES IN THEIR VARIOUS MINISTRIES.
Gaston Browne,do you really think we are all idiots in Antigua and Barbuda? All of your members in Parliament are Substantive Ministers.They are in touch with all of the Permanent Secretaries and others in the Senior Civil Service.They would have been privy and seen all of the estimates for the entire year on a regular basis.They knew what would be in the Budget.Before it was given to them in Parliament last Friday morning.When the Opposition Members of Parliament were given the documents on Friday morning.That would have been the very first time getting it from you people.So how the hell could you be saying that your colleagues got it at the same time.You knew it was a lie.You know it is a damn lie.I agreed with the Opposition Members not to show up.You are a selfish person.You are not for Antigua and Barbuda.You are for enrichment of self,wife,children and concubines.You cannot take it with you into that 6 foot hole.
yet another lie. Sir Robin Yearwood is not in Cabinet.
I thought I saw him sitting around the table. Who cares whether he is in cabinet or not. He needs to rest himself. Why don’t you admit that your leader is a liar. They don’t want no debate by the opposition. They just want to cuss and humiliate them.
Gaston Brown and his supporters needs to be reminded that time is longer than rope, a kick is coming and it would be harder than a donkeys kick
“PM says Opposition PM’s were too embarrassed to debate the budget”
Editor please proof read your HEADLINE. Should be MP’s.
A lawless nation will have many bad leaders.
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