Kingstown St. Vincent May ,15, 2026-Opposition Leader Ralph Gonsalves has accused the government of reducing, delaying or placing several major development projects under review, while continuing programmes negotiated by his former administration.
Speaking on radio, the former prime minister pointed to the “Unleashing the Blue Economy of the Caribbean” (UBEC) programme, funded by the World Bank, saying the initiative had been negotiated while his administration was in office.
Dr Gonsalves said the overall programme was valued at EC$70.1 million and included projects linked to tourism, agriculture, fisheries and infrastructure.
He said EC$23 million had already been spent before his government left office, while the current administration planned to spend EC$9 million this year, EC$16 million in 2027 and EC$18 million in 2028.
“If you don’t know why we borrowed it, why are you continuing the projects?” he asked during the programme.
The opposition leader also claimed that several initiatives had either been cut, deferred or placed under review in the government’s estimates.
Among the projects he listed were the Brighton Recreational Park, the Salt Whistle Bay Coastal Restoration and Defence Project, the Brighton Secondary School construction project and the reconstruction of the Stubbs Police Station.
Dr Gonsalves also referred to reductions affecting education, agriculture and sports initiatives, including projects linked to science and technology laboratories, a semi-professional football and netball league, and the establishment of a national orchestra.
He further criticised what he described as new spending priorities by the administration, including EC$600,000 for vehicles for the prime minister and EC$1.5 million for improvements to the prime minister’s residence.
The comments come amid ongoing debate over the government’s 2026 fiscal programme and public spending priorities.