Opposition leader demands transparency on PM’s travel costs

pposition Leader Ralph Thorne has urged the government to disclose the full costs associated with prime ministerial travel this year by December 31.

Thorne argued that the government’s refusal to reveal these expenses not only undermines transparency and accountability but also raises questions about the ethical use of taxpayer funds.

On the floor of Parliament on Tuesday, Thorne chided the government’s spending priorities, questioning the impact of international speeches funded by public money on the lives of “ordinary Barbadians”.

“There is an inherent unfairness in [the] government’s allocation of its resources,” he said.

“What does a speech in Jamaica mean for the old man in Northumberland? That speech was made on public monies,” Thorne said, referencing the prime minister’s recent appearance in Kingston, Jamaica as guest speaker at the Michael Manley Centenary Lecture last Tuesday.

“Congratulations! The Jamaicans who heard it loved it. But the poor people in Barbados are feeling it,” he added.

He stressed that the government must reveal the true cost of flights, accommodations, and allowances associated with Prime Minister Mottley’s travel.

In response, St James South MP Sandra Husbands defended the allocation to the Prime Minister’s Office, highlighting the numerous departments and responsibilities covered under a budget of $189 million.

Husbands explained: “The Prime Minister’s Office has under it Future Barbados, Commitment for Results Department, Planning and Development, Defence and Security, Barbados Defence Force, Cadet Corps, Assistance to Legionnaires, Anti-Corruption Unit, National Transformation Unit, Rural Development, Barbados National Gallery, Creative Economy, Consensus Board, Special Projects, HIV/AIDS—I could go on and on.”

She urged Thorne to consider the scope of the office’s responsibilities before drawing conclusions about misallocation.

“If he is genuinely interested in whether or not money is fairly allocated, then he will be relieved at what I have to say. If it is just simply to make Barbadians feel that money is misallocated and misspent, then he will continue on his course,” she said.

Thorne, unmoved, hit back: “I’ve heard that attempt at a breakdown before.

“Don’t tell me about the force and the library. Tell the poor people of Barbados how much of their dollars are being spent on the aircraft and the hotel. And the massive per diems—tell them! We send home more public servants in this country, and millions upon millions of dollars are being spent on prime ministerial travel.”

Thorne also alleged that the actual spending goes beyond the $189 million allocated to the Prime Minister’s Office, claiming the total exceeds $300 million.

He maintained that the government’s unwillingness to disclose the travel expenses suggests a lack of accountability.

“The mere fact that they can’t disclose it says that there is some kind of guilt. I’m not inquiring into any private business. This is public business,” he said.

Reiterating his call for transparency, Thorne demanded the government disclose the full travel expenditure by year-end.

“The cost of travel is subject to public disclosure. The people of Barbados have a right to know,” he said.

shannamoore@abarbadostoday.bb