Atherley, Straughn clash over Budget now six months overdue

Bring the Budget, Opposition Leader Bishop Joseph Atherley told Government on Tuesday, arguing it was the duty of Parliament to inform taxpayers how their money was being spent.

Minister of Finance Ryan Straughn had earlier revealed that the Budget, normally held in March every year, has been delayed because of the pandemic… and because Government is trying to assess the amount of money the Ministry of Health and Wellness needs to battle the COVID-19 pandemic.

Straughn said every time there was a surge in infections the Ministry of Health and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital demanded more cash.

He labelled critics who are requesting a Budget at this time as being interested in a “few moments in the sunlight” – a comment that drew the opposition leader’s swift rebuttal.

He said: “I’m astounded that the honourable member would suggest that a call either in the public space or from this position for Barbadians to be treated to the courtesy of a Budget, which they have become accustomed to annually and which is expected of any government or any party in office, to suggest that a call for a Budget in the interest of the people of Barbados and the interest of this House constitutes a desire for a few minutes in the sunlight was very disappointing.

“When we call for a Budget and I do make that call again from this floor right now, we call for a Budget to be debated in the House in the interest of this House…you can’t dismiss it as somebody’s desire for 15 minutes in the sunlight. It is in the interest of Barbadians, it is in the interest of this Parliament that we make that call.

“You see the public of Barbados has a right to know how its financial affairs are being managed…So whether it’s about vaccinations or vaccines or ventilators, whether it’s about contracts or consultancies, whether you are talking about Coverley or Clearwater, the people have a right to know.” (RB)