LAST week, Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre presented the 2025-2026 Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure, marking a pivotal moment in Saint Lucia’s journey toward sustainable and socioeconomic development. With a record-breaking expenditure of $2.058 billion and a focus on infrastructure, health, social development, citizen safety, and job creation, the government has laid an ambitious roadmap for the future. Yet, amidst these plans, a glaring question arises: where is the voice of the people?
It is concerning that public discourse on the budget seems to be dominated by the opposition, while the voices of ordinary Saint Lucians remain conspicuously absent. This silence begs the question: do we, as a nation, truly care about how our country is governed? Or have we become complacent, leaving the task of scrutiny and feedback to a select few?
The budget is not just a collection of numbers; it reflects our collective priorities and aspirations. It outlines how resources will be allocated to address pressing issues such as healthcare, education, social welfare and more. It is, therefore, imperative that every Saint Lucian takes an active interest in these decisions. After all, the policies and programmes outlined in the budget will directly impact our lives and the lives of our children and their children.
The government’s commitment to addressing the needs of vulnerable populations and boosting economic activity is commendable. However, these efforts can only be truly effective if they are informed by the lived experiences and insights of the people they aim to serve. Public feedback is not just a right; it is a responsibility, your responsibility citizens of Saint Lucia. It is through dialogue and engagement that we can ensure the budget reflects the diverse needs and aspirations of our society.
So, why the silence? Is it a lack of awareness, a sense of disillusionment, an I don’t care attitude by Saint Lucians to parliamentary matters, or simply the absence of accessible platforms for public engagement? Whatever the reason, it is clear that we need to foster a culture of active citizenship. Community organizations, media outlets, and civil society must play a role in facilitating discussions and encouraging participation. The government, too, must create more opportunities for citizens to voice their opinions and concerns.
Saint Lucia, this is your moment. The 2025-2026 budget is not just a government document; it is a blueprint for our shared future. Let us not leave it to the opposition alone to provide feedback. Let us raise our voices, share our perspectives, and hold our leaders accountable because governance is not a spectator sport—it is a collective endeavour.
Always remember that at its core, a government’s budget outlines its income sources—such as taxes, international aid, and investments—and its expenditure plans, covering areas such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and security. By analyzing the budget, Saint Lucians can discern where their hard-earned tax dollars are being directed and whether these allocations align with the promises made during elections. For example, if a government emphasizes education as a priority but allocates only a meagre portion of the budget to schools and teacher training, citizens can question this disparity and demand transparency.
Understand too that the budget is an essential tool for economic stability and growth. It indicates how the government intends to tackle pressing challenges such as unemployment, inflation, or the national debt. For instance, investments in public infrastructure can stimulate job creation, while measures to reduce debt might signal long-term financial stability. Saint Lucians who stay informed about these decisions can better prepare for economic changes that may affect their daily lives, such as shifts in taxation or the introduction of new public services.
The public’s silence on the government’s 2025/2026 Estimates of Revenue and expenditure is not acceptable. Always remember that the true strength of a nation lies in the active participation of its citizens. Let your voice be heard!