SENIOR MINISTER DOUGLAS PRAISES 2026 BUDGET AS A BLUEPRINT FOR SUSTAINED GROWTH AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Basseterre, Saint Kitts, December 19, 2025 (SKNIS): Senior Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Economic Development, Investment, Industry, Commerce, and Consumer Affairs, the Right Honourable Dr. Denzil Douglas, has hailed the 2026 Budget as a clear and credible roadmap for sustained economic growth, good governance, and inclusive national development in Saint Kitts and Nevis.

Speaking during the 2026 Budget Debate in the National Assembly on Friday, December 19, 2025, Dr. Douglas described the Budget as one that is “anchored in purpose and in progress,” and a reflection of a government that has matured through experience, restored stability, and placed people at the centre of development.

“We are now in the fourth year of a five-year term—a moment that demands reflection, accountability, and renewed focus, especially when we had seen the collapse of the last administration after a few months of being put together in this very Parliament,” Dr. Douglas said. “This Budget, therefore, is not a speculative exercise. It is a mature budget. It is informed by experience. It is grounded in the realities of governance and shaped by the lessons learned since this administration assumed office.”

The senior minister commended the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, for his leadership and discipline in crafting a budget that balances fiscal prudence with social responsibility. “I wish to place on record my own commendation of the Honourable Prime Minister for the clarity, the discipline, and the vision demonstrated in the presentation of this particular Budget,” Dr. Douglas said.

He underscored that the Appropriation Bill (2026), 2025, represents stability, progress, and inclusiveness. “It reflects a government that has stabilised the economy, restored confidence after the collapse of a government of just about 18 or 15 months, and placed people at the centre of our national development—even while navigating global uncertainty, inflationary pressures, climate vulnerability, and geopolitical instability, even within the very Caribbean Region in which we are living,” he said.

As Minister responsible for Economic Development and Investment, Dr. Douglas expressed particular satisfaction that the 2026 Budget aligns fiscal policy with the government’s broader development agenda. 

“This budget reinforces our commitment to achieving economic diversification, investment facilitation, regional and international engagement, industrial development, consumer protection, and the creation of sustainable, decent work for all of our people,” Senior Minister Douglas said.

Dr. Douglas reaffirmed that the 2026 Budget charts a steady and confident course for Saint Kitts and Nevis—one that balances growth with equity, and ambition with responsibility.

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