It’s Budget Day in Antigua and Barbuda when Prime Minister and Finance Minister Gaston Browne will present the government’s fiscal priorities for the next financial year.
Already sources close to the government have indicated that the 2026 National Budget will not prescribe any new tax measures as the government expects to increase revenues by increased economic activities and by reducing certain concessions that are offered to businesses.
The sources say the 2026 National Budget will also contain several ‘goodies’ for workers in the public sector. Not only will public servants receive their December salaries and wages early, but there is word that there will likely be a second salary to be paid out by the end of the month.
The government had earlier indicated that it will continue the tradition of paying December salaries early in order to enable public servants to be able to take advantage of the reduction in the ABST slated for December 19-21.
In his presentation, PM Browne is also expected to make an announcement regarding back-pay for public servants as well as the implementation of another round of salary increases.
As is customary, the prime minister will provide details of the government’s revenue intake for the year following another successful year where actual intake surpassed the budgeted amounts.
Details on the amount of money that will be provided to each ministry will also be announced during the budget presentation.
The overall budget for 2026 is expected to be in excess of 2-billion dollars.
