Senator Massiah Criticizes National Budget as Empty and Exclusionary, Sparks Opposition Boycott

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Senator David Massiah of the United Progressive Party expressed profound disappointment in the recent national budget, deeming it inadequate.

This sentiment arose as opposition members, including Massiah, voiced concerns about the budget’s lack of transparency and fairness in its preparation.

The opposition criticized the government for excluding them from the budget preparation process, considering it unjust and unrepresentative of the people’s interests.

Following the Prime Minister’s budget speech on December 15, opposition members from both the House of Representatives and the Senate boycotted subsequent debates due to their exclusion.

Senator Massiah echoed the frustration and disappointment felt among the opposition, asserting that the government not only marginalized them but also neglected to address critical concerns of the people.

The UPP’s People’s Parliament, held at Freedom Hall, provided a platform for Massiah and other opposition members to address these concerns and connect with the public.

Massiah criticized the budget for failing to address fundamental issues in Antigua and Barbuda, describing it as a campaign tool to appease government supporters. He highlighted the absence of plans for the country’s workplace and lamented the impact of a 2% increase in the Antigua and Barbuda Sales Tax (ABST) on the population.

Senator Massiah accused the government of lacking direction and failing to justify the increases through proper analysis. He emphasized that the government’s attempt to address fiscal issues was akin to applying a plaster to a wound beyond its capacity.

Additionally, as the General Secretary of the Antigua and Barbuda Workers Union, Senator Massiah raised concerns about former and present LIAT workers. He announced the union’s intention to pursue legal action against LIAT’s receiver, Cleveland Seaforth, for neglecting fiduciary responsibilities and failing to answer important questions over the past three years.

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5 COMMENTS

  1. A new way of doing things
    I love 2024, no longer can ppl say because is so we always did it
    So tired of the protocol recipes manual playbook
    We have to live out loud. Do something different.
    Kudos to the newPP for trying this way of doing things. ALP had a lot of nerves to expect anyone to debate last minute

  3. Was the red clown Asot a part of the circus last night? Did he actually step foot in that hall. If so I guess Gramps Morgan was really correct in saying that there is a place for people like you!!!

  4. Well highlighted your Most Honourable Senator David Massiah.

    All the tax-paying citizens of Antigua & Barbuda want from the ABLP government is transparency in where, what and how our money is used – why is Gaston Browne still dragging his feet?

    DEM MADE OUT AH LEAD?

    Such a simple request for any government that hasn’t anything to hide.

    KEEP DIGGING SENATOR 👍🏾

  5. The UPP has to be much smarter than walking out of meetings. That behavior is a poorly conceived concept to combat a group that’s entrenched on self enrichment and destruction of the country

Comments are closed.