Senator Kirwan Urges Government to Put Maintenance Before Expansion in 2026 Budget

Independent Senator Jamilla Kirwan has called on the government to fundamentally rethink its approach to public infrastructure, urging that maintenance take priority over new construction as Antigua and Barbuda seeks to protect its investments and serve future generations.

Making her maiden contribution during the 2026 Budget Debate in the Senate, Kirwan argued that preventative upkeep must become standard practice, warning that waiting until buildings deteriorate is both costly and unsustainable.

“Maintenance should not begin when a crack appears. Maintenance should happen before it does,” she told the Upper House.

Kirwan described the national budget as more than a financial document, saying it reflects the values and priorities of the country.

Drawing on her personal experiences as a single mother and cancer survivor, she likened national budgeting to household management in a small island developing state with limited resources.

She pointed to the ongoing restoration of Government House as an example of effective preservation, noting that the project—led by Heritage Trust Antigua and Barbuda—has raised more than EC$7 million and is expected to be completed in 2026.

However, the senator expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of several cultural and heritage facilities, including the Dean William Lake Cultural Centre, the Old Parliament Building, and the National Archives. She warned that neglect of these assets highlights weaknesses in planning, accountability, and continuity.

Kirwan proposed a practical, cost-effective approach focused on repairing and upgrading existing facilities, such as improving lighting, resurfacing courts, and securing covered spaces, rather than pursuing costly new projects. She also encouraged greater community involvement in maintaining public facilities within clear oversight frameworks.

On education, Kirwan welcomed the EC$220.1 million allocation in the 2026 Budget, including the reimbursement of CXC examination fees and expanded access to free tertiary education, but cautioned about long-term sustainability. She suggested exploring regional enrollment at The University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus to generate revenue while preserving free access for eligible nationals.

She also welcomed plans to reopen the Cancer Centre in early 2026, while stressing the importance of maintaining medical facilities and equipment to protect patient safety and public investment.

Kirwan concluded by warning that Antigua and Barbuda’s limited resources leave little room for missteps, making strategic planning and consistent maintenance essential to the country’s development.