By Azara Lavia
Leader of the Opposition and Political Leader of the United Progressive Party (UPP) Hon Jamale Pringle has criticized the government’s recent budget presentation, dismissing it as “just another PR opportunity.” His remarks specifically targeted the announcement regarding the temporary removal of work permit requirements for skilled workers from outside the Caribbean.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne made the announcement during his 2025 Budget presentation, highlighting the measure as a strategic step to ensure progress on national development initiatives.
According to the Prime Minister, this initiative is part of the government’s efforts to fast-track its housing programme, which encompasses the Booby Alley Housing Development, the Louis Hill Housing Project in Barbuda, and several other residential projects led by the National Housing and Urban Renewal Company.
However, Pringle argued that the measure was nothing more than a rehash of promises made since 2014, claiming that the government had failed to deliver tangible progress.
He pointed out the persistent issues, such as the unresolved water shortage, which, despite being a key campaign promise, has not been addressed since the government took office.
“We are hearing the same things we heard in 2014. The government must be more analytical about what they’re saying in the budget compared to what is happening on the ground,” Pringle stated, adding that the alleged growth touted by the Prime Minister was not being felt in his constituency.
Pringle also questioned the government’s planning around the labour force, suggesting that they had not adequately analysed future workforce needs.
“Without proper market surveys, how can we prepare for the Labor demands in the next 5 to 10 years? This could just be another excuse to delay payments to tradesmen,” Pringle said.
The opposition remains doubtful of the long-term impact, calling for more concrete actions and better planning to address ongoing issues in the country.
