Budget debate in Antigua faces boycott by opposition legislators

The first day of the parliamentary debate over the EC$1.3 billion budget in Antigua and Barbuda witnessed an absence as opposition legislators boycotted the session. 

Reports are that the opposition insisted that there was not enough time to adequately prepare to debate the fiscal package.

The controversy over debate scheduling

This dispute arose following the budget presentation by Prime Minister Browne. 

Attorney-General Steadroy Benjamin proposed the debate at 9:30 a.m. the following Monday. 

However, this suggestion met with resistance from the opposition, who argued for a later start date. They advocated for the debate to commence on Thursday, December 21, standing firm in their disagreement.

Government’s response and compromise effort

The government, citing the impending unavailability of several ministers who had overseas commitments, emphasized the need to begin the debate sooner. 

A compromise was attempted following the intervention of Speaker Sir Gerald Watt. A revised motion was presented, suggesting the debate start on Tuesday. 

While this motion received backing from government legislators, the opposition remained adamant about a Thursday start, with Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle labeling the revised timeline as “unfair.”