The opposition will have an extra day to review the government’s budget estimates before debate begins, breaking from parliamentary tradition.
This was disclosed by Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre on Monday, who also confirmed that while debates usually start the day after the estimates are laid, this year, the opposition will have a full day to examine the figures.
“Normally, when the estimates are read on Tuesday, debate starts on Wednesday. We have given the opposition a whole day,” Pierre said. “I deliver on Tuesday at five, and the opposition will have a full day to review. That has never happened before in Saint Lucia.”
Last year, Opposition Leader Allen Chastanet criticised the speaking order of House MPs, taking issue with having to rebut directly after the Prime Minister.
Outside of Parliament last year, Chastanet said: “Not because I am not prepared. I am prepared,” adding, “But the fact is we normally sit down and agree on a schedule, and I am certainly happy to meet and put that schedule together. There are only two of us, there are fifteen of them, so normally it would be seven of them and then another seven, so I am prepared to speak from that perspective unless they speak to me and could offer an explanation as to why I need to speak early or later.”
The estimates, to be presented on March 25, 2025, total XCD $2 billion—the largest in Saint Lucia’s history.
“I’m very excited to present it to the people of Saint Lucia. The budget will show the level of economic or fiscal prudence and growth in the economy. It will show that we are running surpluses—surpluses that are necessary for the continuation of the economic development of Saint Lucia,” said Prime Minister Pierre.
The government’s policy for the next year will be determined by the passing or reading of the Appropriations Bill on the last Tuesday in April, rather than focusing solely on figures.
The Prime Minister added that his government will not be following recommendations by the International Monetary Fund, which suggest an increase in the rate of taxation in the country.
