MP Richard Lewis Critiques 2025 Budget as Unrealistic, Proposes Constituency Development Fund

By Aabigayle McIntosh

Member of Parliament for the St John’s Rural West Constituency Richard Lewis has shared his reflection on the 2025 Budget debate calling the presentation by Prime Minister Gaston Browne
unrealistic indicating it does not reflect the realities of Antigua and Barbuda.

“If you have a doubling of the revenues, you would expect to see that in the lives of the people of Antigua and Barbuda. The condition of our roads should be supreme, we should have first class health care, we should have first class education but that is not the case,” Lewis said.

While he commended the government for the work it has been done in several sectors, he insists, there is still much to be desired.

Lewis also called for the establishment of a constituency development fund to help elected officials conduct their business.

“It kind of levels the playing field. it gives a little more power to the Parliamentarians. Today you’re the government, tomorrow you can be on these benches. You know what happens in countries where you do that? when the elections come, as an opposition MP I can’t go to the public and tell them that my hands were tied and I couldn’t do this and do that. No funds are there even if you are not in central government. you have failed the people and they will vote you,” Lewis said.

The Prime Minister has indicated a willingness to accept the suggestion.