By Kisean Joseph
Barbuda MP Trevor Walker has condemned what he described as “one of the darkest days” in the nation’s parliamentary history following the abrupt conclusion of the 2025 Budget Debate.
Speaking on Observer AM yesterday, Walker said the government’s actions undermined democratic processes and fiscal transparency in Antigua and Barbuda.
The controversy erupted when Prime Minister Gaston Browne moved to wrap up the Budget Debate immediately after the lunch break, effectively preventing numerous parliamentarians, comprising opposition members and government ministers, from making their contributions.
According to Walker, this unprecedented move denied citizens their right to hear crucial details about ministerial plans and expenditures.
“The government was elected by the people to serve the people and to ensure that they give an account to the people for the resources that were available to them,” Walker said.
He criticized the silence of key ministry heads, including those responsible for education, health, and public safety, noting that these officials had an obligation to explain their plans for the coming fiscal year.
The situation appears especially grave given the government’s record revenue collection of $1.4 billion, which Walker points out represents a doubling of national revenues over the past decade. “They have collected almost $30 million more in CIP – 25 percent. ABST is up, almost half a billion …” he said, highlighting the importance of “transparency and accountability” for the use of public funds.
Walker revealed that immediately following the truncated budget debate the controversy was further compounded when the government introduced a bill seeking authorization to borrow an additional $400 million without specifying the usual loan terms and conditions. “What came to the Parliament was just a blanket authorization for them to go and borrow this money,” he said, describing the move as a departure from standard parliamentary practice.
The Barbuda MP further expressed concern about the government’s priorities, suggesting that political maneuvering had taken precedence over proper governance. He cited comments allegedly made by the Prime Minister about “catching the opposition with their pants down,” which Walker interpreted as evidence that the early debate closure was politically motivated rather than in the public interest.
The contrast with last year’s budget debate was stark, Walker noted. Back then, government ministers presented their full debates despite the opposition’s absence from the chamber. “They debated the budget, all right? They have an obligation to debate the budget,” he said, highlighting what he sees as inconsistent practices.
As he looks ahead, Walker indicated that he plans to share his analysis of the 2025 Budget through alternative channels, thereby ensuring his constituents understand both the fiscal implications and governance concerns raised by the chaos that transpired in the Parliament.
