Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Dr. Terrance Drew, closed the 2026 Budget Debate on Friday, 19th December, 2025, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to economic diversification, social protection, and disciplined governance, as he moved the Appropriation (2026) Bill, 2025, toward final passage.
In his wrap-up contribution, Dr. Drew framed the Budget under its guiding theme, Investing in People and Progress, describing it as a mature fiscal programme shaped by experience, reform, and the lessons of recent governance. He told the National Assembly that the Estimates before the House were not speculative, but “anchored in purpose and focus,” reflecting a government now deep into its mandate and fully accountable for delivery.
“This budget is about investing in people and public progress,” the Prime Minister said, outlining a programme designed to expand jobs, lower the cost of living, increase housing supply, and stimulate sustained economic activity across sectors.
Dr. Drew reiterated that while the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programme remains part of the national economic mix, the Government is deliberately reducing over-reliance on it. He emphasised that diversification is no longer optional, but essential for long-term stability.
“We are diversifying from the CBI, but we still would like to have our CBI, because it can help and be part of a diversified economy,” he said. “At the same time, we have tightened the laws, strengthened the laws, made them vigorous, and we will continue to make the necessary changes so that we can protect our country and our people.”
The Prime Minister linked this diversification drive to increased construction activity, expanded housing delivery, and job creation, noting that public and private investment is generating momentum across the economy. He said citizens can expect “more construction, more houses, more measures to cut the cost of living,” alongside sustained employment growth.
Addressing criticisms raised during the debate, Dr. Drew rejected what he characterised as weak or inconsistent arguments from the opposition, stating that the Government had laid out clear facts and evidence to support its fiscal strategy. He underscored that governance requires coherence, responsibility, and honesty with the public.
Turning to crime and citizen security, Dr. Drew echoed his Budget Address assertion that the country has experienced its most significant reduction in major crime in over two decades, crediting strategic investment, institutional coordination, and public cooperation.
“This did not happen by accident,” he reminded the House, pointing to the importance of disciplined law enforcement, community engagement, and social interventions working together. He stressed that peace cannot be bought or compromised, warning against corruption and shortcuts in the pursuit of security.
“No one can pay for peace. It is a fallacy,” Dr. Drew said, urging continued national unity in sustaining recent gains.
As he concluded, the Prime Minister expressed gratitude to public servants, Ministry of Finance officials, Cabinet colleagues, and staff across government entities for their role in shaping and executing the Budget. He described the Estimates as the product of collective effort rather than individual ambition.
“This is a budget where we are converting conversations into action,” he said, as he wished the Bill safe passage through the House.
Dr. Drew’s closing remarks positioned the 2026 Budget as both a consolidation of reforms already underway and a platform for continued transformation — one centred on people, grounded in discipline, and focused on building a more resilient and inclusive St. Kitts and Nevis.
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