In his inaugural budget presentation, Choiseul/Saltibus MP and Minister for Physical Development and Public Utilities, Keithson Charles, delivered a defence of the Government’s $2.18 billion Estimates, declaring that Saint Lucia is moving decisively beyond economic survival into a new phase of structural transformation. “Every budget tells a story, and the estimates before us are no exception,” Charles told Parliament, aligning himself closely with Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre’s central message that the Government is putting “people first.”
He framed the 2026/2027 budget as a turning point, contrasting what he described as years of neglect under the previous administration with the current government’s focus on resilience, infrastructure, and long-term planning. “We have moved from halting decay to building resilience. We have moved from short term fixes to long-term planning,” he said.
The first-time budget contributor echoed Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre’s March 24 address, describing an economy that is stabilising and growing. He pointed to projected recurrent revenue of $1.75 billion, an increase of more than $125 million in just one year, as evidence of what he called deliberate policy execution and modernization. “This is not a figure that appeared by chance…it is the result of deliberate effort, modernization, and digitization,” Charles said.
He further underscored government’s fiscal performance, citing a primary surplus of $90.1 million and a current surplus of $243.6 million for the last fiscal year, positioning the administration as fiscally disciplined and capable of managing national affairs without excessive borrowing. “We don’t need to borrow money to manage this country,” he declared, pushing back against opposition narratives.
Charles’ presentation leaned heavily into infrastructure and public utilities, highlighting a $53.38 million allocation to his ministry, an increase he said reflects the Government’s commitment to modernising national systems. “I am responsible for everything from the soil under our feet to the water in our taps and the light in our sockets,” he said, describing the scope of his portfolio.
Among key national priorities, he outlined continued investment in water infrastructure, including upgrades to the Theobalds Treatment Plant and expanded access in underserved southern communities such as Patience, Mon Repos and Micoud.
He also signalled a strong push toward renewable energy, with millions allocated toward geothermal exploration, energy efficiency upgrades, and strengthening the national grid to accommodate clean energy sources. “This is a transformative agenda…ensuring the grid has the capacity to integrate renewable energy seamlessly,” he said.
Turning to his constituency, Charles emphasized that Choiseul/Saltibus stands to benefit directly from multiple allocations, including funding for fisheries infrastructure, river management works, tourism development, and renewable energy exploration. “Our fishers brave the Atlantic to feed this nation…they deserve modern facilities that afford them dignity and safety,” he said, referencing funding earmarked for the Choiseul fisheries complex.
He also pointed to potential economic transformation through geothermal exploration in Saltibus, describing it as a possible catalyst for industrial development in the south. “This is not just energy for the island…this is a potential industrial boom for the community,” he declared.
