Pringle Likens Budget to “Star-Studded Political Theatre”

Jamale Pringle, the Leader of the Opposition, addressed the government’s 2025 Budget, describing it as “star-studded political theatre” with “little style and less substance.”

Pringle, in his budget rebuttal, questioned the government’s claims of widespread prosperity, stating that the economic growth touted by the administration has not benefited ordinary citizens.

“When he talks about ‘we’ doing well, I must ask: Who exactly are these lucky few?” Pringle asked in reference to the Prime Minister.

He highlighted the struggles of working mothers to provide food for their families, the threat of hunger and malnutrition for children, and inadequate wages for those who are employed.

Pringle brought up the issue of water supply, disputing the government’s assertions of having adequate resources.

He referred to a 2017 announcement about producing 7.7 million gallons of water daily against a demand of 5.5 million gallons, asking, “How is it that we still lack running water today when they claimed to have been producing 2 million gallons more than needed seven years ago?”

He noted that the problem lies beyond production, particularly emphasizing ongoing infrastructure repairs in places like Buckley’s: “It’s a constant cycle of digging up lines… The situation is more complicated than just production – they are misleading the public.”

On food security, he criticized the Finance Minister for not providing enough incentives for local farmers. He characterized the country’s reliance on imported food as a “self-imposed vulnerability,” leaving them vulnerable to fluctuations in global markets and supply chain issues.

Pringle directed significant criticism toward the state of road infrastructure in Antigua, calling it unacceptable. He questioned the government’s ability to properly complete road projects, pointing to the ongoing problems drivers face months after construction is finished.

“If you drive on Friars Hill Road, Sir Sidney Walling Highway, Sir George Walter Highway, All Saints Road, or Jonas Road, you’ll understand what residents are going through in Antigua and Barbuda,” he remarked.

Additionally, he criticized the maintenance of newly paved roads that often require repairs shortly after completion. He raised concerns regarding the Works Ministry’s fiscal management, noting that the budget for the ministry increased from $8.3 million to $21 million without adequate parliamentary oversight through supplementary appropriation bills.

Pringle also emphasized the need for improved drainage to better manage water runoff, which could help alleviate some of the issues faced. Throughout his remarks, he repeatedly called for greater government transparency, claiming that basic economic data, such as unemployment figures, has become “top secret.”