Premier of Nevis and Leader of the Opposition, Mark Brantley, delivered a Budget Debate contribution in the National Assembly that struck an unusually conciliatory tone, offering rare cross-aisle validation of the Dr. Terrance Drew administration while positioning the Government as a stabilising and unifying force at a pivotal moment for the Federation.
Speaking as the Member for Nevis 9, Brantley acknowledged what he described as a marked shift in federal leadership, crediting the current administration with resolving long-standing disputes, engaging constructively across party and island lines, and adopting a national rather than partisan approach to governance. His address, while critical of past administrations, was notably supportive of the direction being taken under Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew.
Central to Brantley’s remarks was the resolution of the long-standing “fair share” issue surrounding the distribution of Citizenship by Investment (CBI) revenues to Nevis. He confirmed that under the Drew administration, a clear and principled formula has now been agreed, allocating revenues on a 75/25 pro-rata population basis. The agreement, he said, brings closure to a grievance that had persisted for more than a decade and restores predictability and trust between the two islands.
Importantly, Brantley stressed that Prime Minister Drew had not entered office on the basis of political promises or transactional arrangements with the Concerned Citizens Movement. Instead, he said, the resolution emerged from dialogue, fairness, and a recognition of equity as a national imperative — a distinction that underscored his characterisation of the current administration as one that governs on principle rather than political expediency.
The Opposition Leader also used his contribution to highlight areas where he believes the Drew administration has adopted a more inclusive federal posture, particularly on major development issues. He cited geothermal energy as a key example, noting that the current Government has embraced the project as a national asset, regardless of its location in Nevis. This, he suggested, marked a departure from previous approaches that viewed major infrastructure and energy investments through a narrower lens.
On matters of public safety, Brantley acknowledged improvements in citizen security, attributing reductions in violent crime to the Government’s decision to approach crime as a public health issue and to invest in prevention, intervention, and coordinated enforcement. His remarks represented a notable endorsement of the administration’s crime-fighting strategy from across the parliamentary aisle.
Throughout his address, Brantley framed the 2026 Budget within a broader context of transition, cautioning against continued over-reliance on volatile non-tax revenues while supporting the Government’s push toward diversification, structural reform, and long-term sustainability. In doing so, he aligned his remarks closely with the Budget’s stated objectives and the Sustainable Island State Agenda.
While his contribution included sharp criticism of previous federal administrations, particularly in relation to broken agreements and historic inequities affecting Nevis, his tone toward the current Government was measured and constructive. The address ultimately reinforced the image of the Drew administration as one that has moved to stabilise federal relations, resolve inherited disputes, and govern with a view toward national cohesion.
In a parliamentary environment often marked by adversarial exchanges, Brantley’s Budget Debate contribution stood out for its emphasis on resolution over rhetoric and cooperation over confrontation — offering a rare moment of cross-aisle affirmation as the country charts its course into 2026.
Stay informed with the latest news and updates from SKN Source! Click here to join our WhatsApp channel and get updates straight to your mobile. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook for more stories and insights!
Be the first to comment on "MP Brantley Signals Rare Cross-Aisle Support for Drew Administration During Budget Debate"