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Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles-Robinson has called on the Government to explain why approximately $2 billion allocated under the Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP) was allegedly not spent during the previous financial year. Speaking at the PNM's press conference following the presentation of the 2027 National Budget, Beckles claimed that the Government had failed to utilise a substantial portion of its development allocation. She stated that approximately $5 billion had been allocated to the programme and alleged that $2 billion remained unspent. The Opposition Leader questioned why the Finance Minister had not provided a detailed explanation of the Government's implementation performance before announcing another round of development spending. According to Beckles, citizens should be able to examine what projects were completed, which initiatives experienced delays and why allocated funding was not utilised. She argued that the effectiveness of public investment should be assessed by actual implementation rather than the announcement of financial allocations alone. The PSIP finances development initiatives across areas including infrastructure, education, healthcare and other public services. Beckles maintained that the Government should demonstrate its capacity to deliver projects before seeking public confidence in further development commitments. The precise $2 billion figure cited at the press conference requires confirmation against the final expenditure records for the relevant financial year. The Opposition has called for greater transparency regarding project implementation and the utilisation of public funds.
Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles-Robinson has called on the Government to explain why approximately $2 billion allocated under the Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP) was allegedly not spent during the previous financial year.
Speaking at the PNM’s press conference following the presentation of the 2027 National Budget, Beckles claimed that the Government had failed to utilise a substantial portion of its development allocation.
She stated that approximately $5 billion had been allocated to the programme and alleged that $2 billion remained unspent.
The Opposition Leader questioned why the Finance Minister had not provided a detailed explanation of the Government’s implementation performance before announcing another round of development spending.
According to Beckles, citizens should be able to examine what projects were completed, which initiatives experienced delays and why allocated funding was not utilised.
She argued that the effectiveness of public investment should be assessed by actual implementation rather than the announcement of financial allocations alone.
The PSIP finances development initiatives across areas including infrastructure, education, healthcare and other public services.
Beckles maintained that the Government should demonstrate its capacity to deliver projects before seeking public confidence in further development commitments.
The precise $2 billion figure cited at the press conference requires confirmation against the final expenditure records for the relevant financial year.
The Opposition has called for greater transparency regarding project implementation and the utilisation of public funds.
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