Minister Ryan Straughn to deliver upcoming Budget

In a departure from tradition, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Mia Mottley has announced that this year’s Budget will be delivered by Minister in the Ministry of Finance Ryan Straughn. The Budget speech will be presented to the Lower Chamber on Monday, March 10, at 3 p.m.

This announcement marks a notable shift, as Prime Minister Mottley has typically delivered the annual Budget address herself. When questioned by reporters about the change, Mottley stated, “Because everybody deserves a chance,” and emphasised her commitment to building capacity and providing opportunities for growth across the country.

“I think it is important that we build capacity across the country and that’s what I’m trying to do,” she briefly said.

While Minister Straughn will take the lead in presenting the Budget, Prime Minister Mottley assured that she will still have the opportunity to address the nation and contribute to the debate on  government’s priorities, revenue projections, and expenditure plans for the coming fiscal year.