Senate Minority Leader David Massiah on Tuesday said the government’s 2026 budget lacks clear and targeted measures to protect vulnerable groups, warning that fiscal optimism does not automatically translate into social security for those most at risk.
Speaking during debate on the Appropriation Bill in the Upper House, Massiah argued that while the budget contains some positive elements, it falls short of providing a comprehensive framework to safeguard low-income households, workers and other vulnerable segments of society.
“Antigua and Barbuda deserves a budget that tells the whole truth, protects the vulnerable, diversifies the economy, strengthens transparency, and secures long-term sustainability of our social security and national finances,” Massiah told senators.
He questioned whether the government’s fiscal narrative adequately reflects the lived realities of citizens facing economic pressure, particularly when debt obligations are taken into account.
“The government’s fiscal narrative depends on a surplus that disappears the moment debt repayments are included,” Massiah said, adding that such an approach risks overstating the budget’s capacity to shield those most in need.
Massiah said the absence of a clearly articulated strategy aimed at household income support and social protection raises concerns about how economic growth will benefit vulnerable groups.
From a labour and social-policy perspective, he said key pronouncements within the budget were insufficiently substantiated, particularly those affecting workers and families.
“From a labour practitioner’s standpoint,” Massiah said, “a careful review of what was more or less the labour-related pronouncements within the budget… it is unclear.”
While acknowledging that the estimates include some positive provisions, Massiah said they do not yet provide the foundation needed to ensure long-term social and economic security.
“Yes, there are some positive elements,” he said. “But this budget, despite its positive elements, does not yet provide that foundation.”
He said stronger, more targeted policy measures are needed to ensure that vulnerable groups are not left exposed amid broader economic planning, and urged lawmakers to assess the budget beyond headline figures.
Massiah concluded his contribution by reiterating the Senate’s responsibility to scrutinize whether national budgets genuinely serve those most in need.
Debate on the 2026 budget continues in the Senate
