The House of Assembly approved a schedule of additional provisions — the first one for this year — on Tuesday.
Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley said the SAP proposes an overall increase of $25,600,008 in budgeted expenditure.
HOA members entered a closed-door committee session on July 24 to begin discussing the details of the spending schedule. On Tuesday, they continued their discussions before returning to pass it without a public debate.
The SAP had not been Gazetted as of Beacon press time yesterday.
“This SAP represents a targeted set of adjustments that will allow the government to meet pressing needs in service delivery, capital development and ongoing commitments — all while safeguarding the public interest,” Mr. Wheatley told the House on Tuesday.
He added that the spending includes $1,768,000 for the education sector.
“This will go toward school improvements and security, additional staffing to meet students’ needs, and designs for student dormitories at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College,” he said.
Other allocations he highlighted include $1,288,100 to “address the maintenance of roads and supporting structures throughout the territory;” $2,049,000 toward the RATED jobs programme; and $650,000 toward “preparedness, response, repair and recovery activities to our drains and road infrastructure.”
Mr. Wheatley explained that the move will allow for “mid-year adjustments” to the government’s budget.
“As honourable members are aware, our national budget is not a static document,” he said. “It is a living framework that must evolve throughout the year to reflect changing national priorities, emerging obligations and unforeseen challenges.”
