Prime Minister Gaston Browne will today lay before Parliament the 2026 National Budget, a pivotal presentation that is expected to outline how his administration plans to guide the country through another year of economic challenges, social demands, and ambitious development goals.

The national address follows last month’s Speech from the Throne, which mapped out the government’s priorities for the year ahead. Those commitments include major upgrades to infrastructure, expanded water production, improvements in health-care delivery, increased capacity at the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus, and continued investment in tourism—the backbone of the nation’s economy.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne

While the Throne Speech focused on long-term aspirations, today’s Budget presentation is expected to answer the questions residents and businesses have been asking for weeks: How much will these plans cost, and where will the revenue come from?

PM Browne: “The Budget Will Be Short but Meaningful”
Prime Minister Browne has signaled that this year’s budget address will be shorter than usual. However, he assured the public that it would highlight his government’s performance to date, economic improvements, and the fiscal outlook for the year ahead.

He is also expected to reference progress in job creation, foreign direct investment, and the stabilization of key national industries.

Today’s Budget is therefore anticipated to address not only long-term national initiatives but also the immediate pressures impacting everyday life.

Once today’s Budget is tabled, Parliament will transition into the traditional Budget Debate.

Opposition members are expected to dissect the government’s spending plans, demand further explanation on the nation’s debt position, and raise concerns about accountability.

Civil society groups, financial analysts, and regional observers will be paying attention, looking for signs of stronger oversight and responsible fiscal management.

As the country prepares for the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting and continues to position itself for post-pandemic recovery, the Budget is expected to outline strategies for strengthening social support systems, improving health-care capacity, and modernizing key infrastructure.

Tourism recovery, digital transformation, and renewable energy development may also feature prominently as the government outlines its strategy for sustainable growth.

For now, attention turns to Parliament, where Prime Minister Browne is set to reveal the financial blueprint that will guide Antigua and Barbuda into 2026.

Residents, business leaders, and policymakers alike will be listening closely to hear how the government plans to balance ambitious development with fiscal discipline—and how it intends to respond to the issues most affecting the daily lives of citizens.