The Mia Mottley administration faced a subdued reception outside Parliament on Monday as Barbadians gathered to hear the National Budget presentation, with supporters expressing hope for relief from rising living costs despite general approval of the administration’s economic management.
Unlike previous years when Palmetto Square at the north end of Parliament Buildings teemed with supporters, only a modest crowd of about 100 people assembled, their cheers and applause a mere echo of the vibrant receptions of the past.
By 2 p.m., people had started to trickle onto Palmetto Square, and by 2:30 p.m., the crowd had become more sizable.
Though the atmosphere lacked its usual energy, a moment of enthusiasm broke through when Prime Minister Mottley arrived. Greeted with warm applause, she interacted with members of the crowd and was presented with a bouquet of flowers, a gesture symbolising continued and strong support.
Environment Minister Adrian Forde also had an entourage bearing banners and signs in support of the work he has been doing in his constituency.
Cabinet ministers, such as Housing Minister Dwight Sutherland, Senior Minister Dr William Duguid, Agriculture Minister Indar Weir, Tourism Minister Ian Gooding-Edghill, Labour Minister Colin Jordan and Education Transformation Minister Senator Chad Blackman, were sharply dressed for the occasion. They also engaged with onlookers, each receiving a boutonnière as they made their way into Parliament.
Former ministers Corey Lane, Marsha Caddle and Dr Sonia Browne greeted onlookers as well and were welcomed with open arms.
Deputy Prime Minister Santia Bradshaw and Sandra Husbands, the newly minted minister for tertiary Education and training, also had a way with the crowd and received bouquets of flowers and plenty of hugs.
With expectations high and concerns over inflation at the forefront of public discourse, Barbadians waited with keen interest for the government’s fiscal blueprint, hoping for measures that would ease financial pressures while sustaining economic growth.
Supporters of the BLP expressed general approval of the government’s handling of the economy but were unanimous in their calls for relief from high food prices.
Among those gathered was Betty Waithe, who made it clear where her loyalties lie.
“I am here to represent my representative, Ian Gooding-Edghill,” she said.
Asked about her expectations for the Budget, she replied, “I hope nothing don’t rise up and I hope everything keep calm.”
Assessing the government’s performance, Waithe was unequivocal in her praise.
“Very good, very good. Because years ago when the DLP got the government, I didn’t have no money. But right now, I can tell you that I got money in my pocket. Whenever the BLP in power, I does got money. But when the Dems’ in power, I just don’t see no money. I just don’t know why.”
Another supporter, Granville Mr DJ Carter, president of the National United Society of the Blind, was on hand to show his backing for Forde. “I always do this at special occasions like this,” Carter said.
He voiced hope for relief from the rising cost of living. “I’m looking for something better, maybe a reduction in the price of goods and stuff like that because they’re really high. Persons like me who live off pensions can’t really stretch that far. So, I would like an ease in that, and maybe an ease on the rates of the water bill and light bill, all the utilities.”
While rating the government’s performance highly, giving them an “eight out of ten”, Carter also lauded recent measures to assist persons with disabilities.
“I endorse them very much because life for persons with disabilities is very difficult. I think what the prime minister has just done, adding four categories of disabilities to those receiving support, allows people to live a little better.”
A man who only gave his name as Lawrence, from the St Michael North East constituency, emphasised the need for increased pensions.
“I want attention to be paid to the pensions. I want to see an increase. Pensioners want to be able to spend more, but we can’t stretch our dollar because of the high cost of living. Other than that, I have confidence in what government is doing and I am pleased with their performance so far.”
Matthew Gittens, a resident of Christ Church West Central, voiced his satisfaction with constituency-level development.
“The work in the community is very pleasing, from sports programmes to the upkeep of the community parks. Everything is going well, and it can only improve from here.”
Meanwhile, as Finance Minister Ryan Straughn arrived to deliver the much-anticipated Budget speech, he exuded confidence.
“What can we expect from you? Three hours or more?” journalists asked.
“I really can’t say, but you can expect some good things,” he responded with a grin.
When questioned about his notably small briefcase, Straughn referenced his fondness for the British sci-fi series Doctor Who.
“One of my favourite shows is Doctor Who. And as you know, the TARDIS always looks small on the outside. But when you step inside, you’re able to explore the universe. And I think the size of my bag should not be deceptive to you.”
He assured Barbadians that the Budget would outline a strategic path forward. “The economy certainly has rebounded from all the shocks that we’ve had. And as I will express today, we are really going to chart a course for Barbados that I believe is sustainable, resilient, and inclusive.”
He confidently added that Barbadians would be pleased.
sheriabrathwaite@barbadostoday.bb
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