By Val Matthias. Updated 6:10 p.m., Thursday, January 29, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
The 2026 Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure, debated in Parliament today, have drawn sharp criticism from Leader of the Opposition Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, who warned that the fiscal year will be marked by cuts to existing programmes, delays to planned projects, and selective additions of new initiatives.
The Agency for Public Information (API) reported that the Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure for 2026 is one billion, eight hundred and eighty-five million, six hundred and nine thousand, nine hundred and sixty-five dollars, ($1,885,609,965), a two (2) per cent increase over the approved budget for 2025.
Dr. Gonsalves told the House that several flagship projects are effectively stalled or under review, declaring “Nothing will be done this year, at least.” He listed a wide range of initiatives that he said are either shelved, replaced, or facing indefinite delays.
According to the Opposition Leader, the following programmes are affected:
Arnos Vale New City Development
Cultural, Educational and Production Hubs – “project under review”
Hotel at Mt. Wynne
PRYME – replaced with a $500,000 “development bank”
Modern Halls of Justice
Modern Parliament Project
National Science Laboratory
Brighton Secondary School
Lives II Live Programme
Lights at Sir Vincent Beache Stadium – Saudi funds redirected to a “master plan” consultancy
Reconstruction of Stubbs Police Station
Fishing Development Project
Solidarity Fleet Expansion
Administrative Building in Chateaubelair
Bequia Solar PV Plant
Rehabilitation of Kingstown Bus Terminal
Semi-pro Netball League
Semi-pro Football League
Jackson Bay Enhancement
Geothermal Energy Project
National Youth Orchestra – recurrent allocation for expansion, but only $10 in capital section
Brighton Recreational Park
Chatoyer Park
Qatar Embassy
UAE Embassy
Saudi Embassy – recurrent allocation present, but no capital allocation
Dr. Gonsalves argued that the government’s fiscal plan reflects uncertainty and retrenchment, with major development projects either abandoned or postponed. He warned that the lack of capital allocations for key initiatives signals a slowdown in national development and risks undermining public confidence.
The Estimates, totalling EC$1.885 billion, will continue to be debated in the House of Assembly, with government ministers expected to defend the restructured allocations and outline their priorities for the year ahead.
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