00:00Opposition leader Penelope Beckles is questioning whether political considerations are influencing the distribution of development funding under the Kamala-Passad
00:09Business Administration.
00:11In a statement today, Beckles pointed to a reduction in the public sector investment program allocation from $6.2 billion
00:18in 2024 to $4.1 billion in 2026, a decrease of approximately 34%.
00:26She says the reduction comes as communities continue to demand improved infrastructure, roads, schools and housing.
00:34Housing allocations have also fallen from $1.285 billion in 2024 to $637 million in 2026, a cut of approximately
00:4750%.
00:48But Beckles is particularly concerned about the funding allocated to the seven P&M-controlled corporations.
00:55She says their combined allocations stood at $129.3 million in 2025, but are projected to fall to just $31
01:05.62 million by 2027.
01:09That represents a reduction of approximately 76%.
01:13Arima, she says, faces an even steeper decline, with its development allocation falling from $18.25 million in 2025 to
01:23$2.5 million in 2027.
01:27Beckles says, quote,
01:45Beckles also questioned the proposed creation of three new boroughs, alleging that several communities are being removed from existing P
01:53&M-led corporations and placed into new municipalities.
01:57She argues that the proposed changes, when considered alongside the funding reductions, raise questions about how development priorities are being
02:06determined.
02:07Her criticism comes against the backdrop of Prime Minister Kamala-Pasad-Basasa's remarks that taxpayers should no longer foot the
02:14bills of what she described as, quote-unquote,
02:17indisciplined, lazy persons.
02:20Beckles says the government must demonstrate that its funding decisions are based on clear, consistent criteria.
02:25She says, quote,
02:27If the government insists that its decisions are based on development needs, objective criteria, and the responsible use of public
02:34money,
02:35then it must publish those criteria and demonstrate how they were applied.
02:40End quote.
02:41Beckles is calling for greater transparency in the distribution of public funds,
02:45warning that reduced allocations could delay infrastructure projects and limit development opportunities in affected communities.
02:52She says residents should not bear the consequences of political disagreements
02:57and is demanding an explanation from the government on how it intends to meet national and local development needs.
03:04Arvashita Mori, Rupnarein, TV6 News.
