Opposition Leader Ralph Gonsalves and Ex finance minister Camilo Gonsalves on Wednesday reviewed the new administration’s estimates, stating that there is a significant list of specific projects being cut, continued, or newly introduced.
The opposition characterises the new budget as one focused on “controlling and dispensing scarcity” rather than generating growth, noting a shift from “pressing gas” to “pumping brakes” on development.
A wide range of infrastructure and social programs initiated by the previous administration (ULP) that have been removed from the 2026 budget include:
- Arnos Vale City (The Tarmac): The development of the old airport site into a new city has been halted, leaving 175 acres of land without a funded plan,.
- Hall of Justice and Parliament: Plans to build these facilities at Beachmont have been cancelled.
- Marriott Hotel: The resort project planned for Mt. Wynne/Peter’s Hope has been scrapped.
- Cultural and Scientific Hubs: Planned hubs for music, art, and technology at Belleview, Troumaca, and Petit Bordel have been cancelled.
- National Science and Technology Laboratory: This facility, intended for student education in emerging sciences, has been cancelled.
- Brighton Secondary School: The construction project for this school has been removed.
- Little Tokyo: The renovation of this area has been cancelled.
- Jackson Bay Enhancement: The beachfront development in Layou has been cut,.
- Bequia Solar PV Plant: This renewable energy project has been cancelled.
Social, Youth, and Sports Programs:
- Pryme (Promoting Youth Micro Enterprises): This grant program for entrepreneurs, which previously had $3 million, has been cancelled,.
- “Lives to Live” Program: A social program that provided housing assistance (bathrooms and upgrades) for the elderly and disabled has been eliminated.
- Sports Leagues: Government support for the semi-professional netball and football leagues has been withdrawn.
- National Youth Orchestra: Funding for this cultural initiative has been removed.
- Sion Hill Beach Stadium Lights: The installation of lights at this facility has been scrapped.
- Solidarity Fleet Expansion: A program to provide boats and training to fisherfolk has been cancelled.
- Extended Maternity Leave: No provision for the promised extended maternity leave appears in the budget.
The housing budget has been slashed by more than half compared to previous revised estimates. Specific housing support programs were replaced with much smaller allocations, such as $150,000 for informal human settlements, which the opposition deems insufficient.
Projects and Programs Being Continued
The estimates showed that most major capital projects that are moving forward are continuations of initiatives started by the previous administration.
- Educational Support: University scholarships remain funded, though not increased.
- Community College: Provisions for the community college have been increased.
- Road Construction: While specific road projects have been cut or placed under review, general road patching (asphalting) continues with a $6-7 million allocation, and the South Leeward Highway is mentioned,.
The new administration has introduced specific new allocations, which the opposition criticizes as prioritizing “comfort” over development or lacking substantive planning.
- Prime Minister’s Residence: $1.5 million has been allocated for renovations and furnishings at the official residence,.
- Vehicle Fleet: $600,000 is budgeted for a new fleet of vehicles for the Prime Minister.
- New Ministries and Posts: A new “Director of Health and Wellness Educational Institutions” post was created. Additionally, there is a new “Ministry of Private Sector Development” and “Creative Industries,” though the opposition claims these are name changes without attached budget or staff.
Grenadines-Specific Projects: There is a noted geographic focus on smaller projects in the Grenadines:
- Bequia Market Rehab: Allocated $2 million.
- Union Island Administrative Building: Allocated $524,000.
- Mayreau Administrative Building: Allocated $100,000.
- Health Facilities Refurbishment: $1.2 million allocated for facilities in the Grenadines.
Economic and Relief Programs:
- Development Bank: A new development bank has been established to replace the PRIME program, but it is capitalized at only $500,000,.
- Citizenship by Investment (CBI): A department has been created for selling passports, but it currently has no staff and a budget placeholder of only $10.
- Hurricane Beryl Relief: A $5 million allocation for “post-Beryl recovery” is placed under NEMO (National Emergency Management Organisation), which the opposition characterizes as lacking the administrative capacity to manage such a fund.
- Public Assistance: There is a proposed increase of $150 for public assistance, though the opposition argues the total allocated amount suggests the number of beneficiaries may need to be cut to sustain the increase.