ANGUILLA HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY

Confirmation of minutes. Minutes of proceedings of the ninth meeting of the first session of the 13th Anguilla House of Assembly.

Madam Speaker, I rise to second the same.

Oath of allegiance and new Members? None.

Announcements by the direction of the speaker.

Questions. None.

Government statements and recent developments. None.

Papers. None.

Reports from committees? None.

Petitions None.

Government notices none.

Private members notices none.

Private Members Bills. None. Private bills, none. Other orders of the day.

Motions None.

Personal explanations None.

Other business. Government business. A bill for Festivals Development Commission Act 2025. First reading.

Facebook Live or radio? And a special good afternoon to everyone who's here with us this afternoon in the gallery.

Madam Speaker, I beg leave to move that a Bill shortly entitled A Festivals Development Commission Act 2025 be read a first time and tabled. Is there a seconder? Madam speaker I rise to second. Thank you honourable Members, The Bill has been moved and seconded.

An act to provide for the establishment of a body corporate to develop, promote, manage and regulate festivals and to provide for connected and incidental matters.

A Bill for Appropriation 2026 Act 2025. First reading.

Thank you. Good afternoon to you, Madam Speaker, to the honourable Members of this House and to those persons who have joined us in the gallery and who are listening and watching via social media and radio. Madam Speaker, I beg leave to move that the Bill for Appropriation 2026 Act 2025 be read for a first time.

Madam Speaker, I rise to second.

An Act to provide for the Services of the Government of Anguilla for the Financial year ending the 31st day of December, 2026.

Madam Speaker, I beg leave to move that the Bill for Appropriation 2026 Act 2025 be read for a second time. Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker. Honourable Members of the House of Assembly. Distinguished guests and my fellow Anguillians. Is with deep humility and an abiding sense of purpose that I rise today to present my first Budget address as Premier and Minister of Finance. I do so on behalf.

Of a Government united by the conviction that the true measure of our island's success lies not merely in the growth of our economy or revenues, but in the advancement of our people. I would first like to give thanks to the Almighty God for His guiding hand and His mercies. I would also like to thank the people of Anguilla for placing their faith and trust in this Anguilla United Front administration and resoundingly electing 8 of 11 elected Members to office less than nine months ago. The people of Anguilla showed that they were ready for a government which not only values people over objects, but understands that the only way in which Anguilla can move forward is by balancing infrastructural development and people development.

The theme of this year's budget, Moving Forward Together, People, Purpose, Prosperity reflects that belief. It is a call to Unity. To shared purpose and to the common good. It reminds us that every fiscal decision, every policy choice and every reform must ultimately serve one objective, improving the lives of Anguillians.

While on speaker, the Anguilla United Front campaigned on putting people first. It was not just a tagline or a slogan, it was a promise to the people of Anguilla. The Anguilla United Front 2025 People Plan was adopted by Executive Council as the guiding document setting out this administration's policies and vision for the advancement of our island. I am proud to know That through hard work and dedication on August 1st, 2025, this administration was successful in delivering GST relief to the people.

This accomplishment is even more significant when one takes into consideration the vagaries and uncertainties of the global market and international trade. Our work continues from there. Madam Speaker, the decisions made by this administration are focused on placing people at the center of progress and positioning knowledge, innovation and human capacity as the true engines of development.

It is now even more important than ever that we prepare our people for the digital age, the very name of our jurisdiction, that AI now carries global recognition as a symbol of creativity. Digital transformation and the new opportunity. What began as foresight has become a fiscal reality. Yet, as we embrace the possibilities of this new age of artificial intelligence.

We are reminded that technology alone does not define progress. People do. For, as Kofi Annan once said, a society that cuts itself off from its people is doomed to fail. This Budget is our assurance that Anguilla will never make that mistake. It is a budget grounded in the belief that prosperity must have a purpose and that purpose must always be human. Madam Speaker, this is the people's budget.

One that honors the past, confronts the present, and prepares for the future. It is about building not only a stronger economy, but a fairer, more compassionate island, one where progress is measured by the well-being of our families, the empowerment of our youth and the dignity of every Anguillian. This is our charge as leaders. And our promise as Anguillians to move forward together with people at the center, Purpose as our compass, and prosperity as our shared destination.

Madam Speaker, this budget gives life to our theme moving forward together, people, purpose, prosperity. It reminds us that progress is not measured by figures alone. But by the comfort, Confidence and opportunity experienced by our people each day. Our work begins where all progress must begin, with safety and Peace of Mind. When families feel secure and communities are prepared, the whole island stands stronger.

This budget strengthens security and emergency preparedness, investing in modern technology and coordination systems to protect our borders, our homes and our people. Safety is a foundation upon which trust and stability rest. We also renew our commitment to the next generation. Anguilla's young people must see a future here, one that rewards effort and expands possibility.

This budget expands early learning, skills training and scholarships, creating a clear pathway from aspiration to achievement. Education remains our most powerful tool for opportunity. The pathway through which every young Anguillian can rise, contribute and help build a stronger Anguilla. Madam Speaker. Well-being is a truest reflection of shared progress. This budget improves the reach and quality of healthcare and social services, strengthening patient care, expanding rehabilitation and mental health support, and ensuring that those most in need are never left behind. Prosperity means little if it does not also mean compassion. We are also investing in the physical foundations that sustain daily life.

This budget targets key infrastructure. Water waste management. Roads, Airport development and public buildings while placing new emphasis on maintenance. Good governance is not only about building, but also preserving not only about expansion, but about care. Finally, Madam, Speaker, this Budget continues the work of transformation, positioning our Anguillian jurisdiction for a new era of digital and economic opportunity.

The growing prominence of that AI has placed our island on the global stage, and we are determined that this advantage delivers real and lasting benefits for our people. Across every priority runs a single truth. The strength of Anguilla lies in its people. Each investment made through this budget is designed to strengthen their security, expand their knowledge, uphold their dignity, and create genuine opportunities.

This is how we move forward together with people at the center and prosperity as a shared promise. This is how we put people first. Madam Speaker, I continue with the review of the Anguillian economy for 2025. As the AUF administration takes its place, firmly committed to moving forward together, people, purpose, prosperity, we begin with a clear and comprehensive look at the economic landscape. Under this guiding theme, we are reminded that true progress comes not from chance, but from our shared devotion to building a territory that works for every Anguillian. We therefore remain resolute in placing our people at the heart of every decision, driven by a clear purpose and staring Anguilla towards shared prosperity.

The year 2025 saw Anguilla's real economy navigate a period of moderate adjustment and continued growth within a dynamic global environment. Global headwinds persisted as geopolitical tensions, slower global trade and volatile energy prices all weighed on small island developing states like ours. Yet stability was aided by the easing of global monetary policy after a sustained period of tightening. Revised estimates from the Eastern Caribbean central Bank, the ECCB, indicate that real gross domestic product GDP grew by 3.8% in 2025, reflecting continued momentum in our tourist product, construction and business services sector.

This followed a growth of 1.4% in 2023 and 4.8% in 2024, reflecting a sustained, though measured, growth in economic activity. On prices and Anguilla experienced a period of relative stability in 2025. Inflation fell by .3%, supported by government's recent fiscal policy reforms, including the removal of goods and services tax from food items in late 2024 and the later comprehensive reform which took place in August of 2025 in response to rising cost of living pressures. Our vital tourism sector, the cornerstone of our real economy, continue to expand beyond its pre pandemic peak with robust visitor arrivals. Madam Speaker, visitor arrivals are projected to increase by 9.2% by the end of 2025, driven by expanded airlift and a more diversified hospitality offering with the anticipated addition of new routes and charter services from the United States to strengthen connectivity and to enhance visitor experience and the planned runway extension.

There is scope for more growth. Boutique accommodations, luxury villas, and cultural tourism initiatives have helped to extend visitor amenities and boost spending across communities. This growth reinforces Anguilla's position as one of the Caribbean's premier destinations, not by accident, but through strategic planning, consistent quality and the unmatched warmth of our people. The construction sector has once again served as a pillar of local employment and investment.

ECCB estimates a 19.7% real expansion in 2025, spurred by ongoing airport redevelopment, major improvements in the road network, school facilities and health infrastructure, and residential housing projects. These capital works helped to build resilient infrastructure and strengthen long-term competitiveness. As we look ahead to 2026, the outlook remains positive yet measured. The ECCB projects real GDP growth of 2.7%, underpinned by tourism expansion in construction and the acceleration of private sector investment. Our mission is clear, to move forward together by empowering people, driving purposeful development, and expanding shared prosperity. This is how we build not only an economy that grows, but one that uplifts our people, strengthens our communities, and secures our future.

Anguilla stands at a defining moment. The choices we make today, guided by discipline, compassion and unity, will shape the opportunities of tomorrow. Together, we will continue to advance our vision of people. Purpose prosperity as we move boldly towards a brighter, more resilient and more inclusive future. ECCB estimates from November 2025 measured by the change in the Anguilla Consumer Price Index for June 2025 over June 2024? Data from the Anguilla Statistics Department through to June 2025. Madam Speaker, I turn now to 2025 fiscal review and I will provide a brief synopsis of the 2025 fiscals for revenue, expenditure, overall balance and debt.

Total tax revenue outturn for 2025 is forecasted at 289.3 million, representing approximately 86% of the $335.5 million budget. The overall outcome reflects solid performance across major categories, tempered by lower receipts from international trade and the transactions. Taxes and goods and services remain the dominant contributor to total revenue, with a budget of 226.7 million and an estimated out turn of 198.37 million by year end.

Taxes and goods and services remain the dominant contributor to total revenue, with a budget of 226.7 million and an estimated outturn of 198.37 million by year end. Although post-GST reform collections have impacted the revenue for this line item, the steady performance continues to reflect consistent compliance among registered businesses and ongoing efficiency in the administration of taxes.

Taxes on payroll, primarily the Universal Social Levy, continue to be a reliable and stable source of revenue with collections of EC 18.84 million as of 30th September and a forecast of 23.86 million compared to the budget of 26.51 million. This outcome indicates sustained employment levels and compliance with statutory obligations. Taxes on property performed marginally above the prior year's pace, achieving 7.93 million to September and are projected to close the year at 8.2 million relative to the budget estimate of 7.54 million.

This improvement reflects ongoing improvements in compliance. Taxes on international trade and transactions recorded 40.48 million to the end of September. Revenues from international trade and transactions are forecast at 53.1 million, compared to a budget of 67.6 million. This outcome reflects some moderation in import activity during the year. The Ministry continues to review the underlying trends in trade volumes and customs collections to review broader changes in import patterns. Finally, taxes on income, profits and capital gains remain modest but stable, with collections of 5.76 million and a similar forecast for year end relative to the budget of 7.24 million.

The overall trend reflected in this chart confirms that tax revenue remains robust, underpinned by a broad and compliant tax base. The stability of collections across categories demonstrates confidence in the economy and continued progress in revenue administration reforms. Non tax revenue has recorded another year of exceptional growth, with an end of year forecast at 271.1 million compared to the original budget of 190.3 million.

This represents an overall increase of more than 40% above budget expectations, demonstrating the effectiveness of ongoing efforts to strengthen collection and broaden the government's revenue base. The main driver of this performance has been sales of goods and services, which account for the largest share of non tax inflows. Collections in this category reached 199.37 million by September and are forecast to close the year at 260.52 million, well above the budgeted 184.81 million.

Notably, this line item includes the sub category for AI domain collections, which have contributed meaningfully to this robust outturn. Property income also performed above expectations with year-to-date receipts of 8.09 million and a projected outturn of 8.93 million exceeding the budgeted 3.36 million. Fines and penalties, though modest in scale, have remained stable with collections of 0.13 million to date and a projected 0.18 million by year end. Transfers not elsewhere classified are expected to close at 1.44 million, slightly below the budgeted 1.97 million.

Madam Speaker, the overall strength of non tax revenue highlights the resilience and diversification of Anguilla's fiscal base. This performance is a testament to prudent fiscal management, improved administrative efficiency, and a deliberate strategy to reduce reliance on traditional tax sources while ensuring that government services continue to generate fair and sustainable returns. Recurrent expenditure for 2025 was budgeted at 355.44 million. Actual expenditure as of September 30th, 2025 is estimated at 216.33 million, with a projected outturn of approximately 336.31 million by year end, approximately 5.35% below budget.

Expenditure has been prudently managed across major categories. Personal Emoluments, the largest component, accounted for 94.5 million at the end of September with an expected outturn of 145.6 million at year end. Goods and services stood at 70.2 million with an expected outturn of 132.9 million at year end. Other key expenditure lines as at September 2025 included interest payments of 9.3 million and retiring benefits totaling 11.2 million and current transfers totaling 31.1 million, all expecting year end outturns of 13.2 million, 15.2 million and 48.5 million respectively.

I now turn to capital revenue and Madam Speaker, capital grants during 2025 are projected to total 3.6 million, representing 40.6% of the 2025 budget estimates. This decline relative to prior years reflects the natural winding down of the Anguilla Economic Recovery Program with the UK government, which provided significant support to the airport development project and final disbursements from the EU's regional EDF 11 (RESEMBID) program. Receipts of note include 1.9 million received from the UK government in support of the Airport project and 1.4 million from the European Union, which financed the Aquaponics, Sustainable Energy and Education Management Information Systems initiatives.

These inflows reflect Anguilla's continued success in leveraging strategic partnerships to advance critical national projects and strengthen capacity for long term development. Capital expenditure outturned for 2025 is projected at 130 million, representing 68% of the $191 million budgeted and a 39% increase over expenditure in 2024. The result is a capital account deficit of approximately 126.4 million.

Madam Speaker, the capital budget for 2025 was significant, EC $191 million. Upon taking office, we made a conscious decision to pause, reassess and realign investment priorities. In considering the capital investment portfolio, we took critical decisions to continue, to accelerate or to pivot. We had a renewed sense of direction and resolve to ensure that every dollar invested and every project advanced was tied to outcomes that matter most for our people, our communities, and our shared prosperity. In the era of enhanced public safety, our schools have seen the installation of intercom and emergency alert systems and the completion of perimeter fencing and gated access, providing an additional layer of safekeeping.

Advancement of the RAPF K9 program to expand patrol and detection services and a radio upgrade program is aimed at enhancing real-time communication across our law enforcement and correctional services. Contracting for the islandwide CCTV network and commissioning the offender electronic monitoring system were major milestones in the upgrade of national security infrastructure and supervision in our communities, all of which improve our security capabilities and emergency responses to keep us all safe. The completion of the development of the Vivian Vanterpool Primary School and the long-awaited start of the technical block at the Albena Lake Hodge Comprehensive School are significant additions to the education infrastructure. This is in line with our goals for education and skills development.

Improving access to technology and providing a foundation for national accreditation and career ready skills ensures that youth are equipped to find jobs and meet our island's needs, and if they so desire, to access further education or employment opportunities outside of Anguilla. Madam Speaker, we have achieved unprecedented levels of investment in health services development, addressing both health infrastructure and equipment to improve patient care.

Critical repairs to the Princess Alexandra Hospital and Community Health centers have been completed alongside equipment upgrades to the operating theater, the NICU and other critical care units, dialysis machines, ventilators and endoscopic tower, to name but a few. And this, Madam Speaker, is only the tip of the iceberg.

Again, Madam Speaker, we are investing in lives, in dignity and in the quality of care that our people deserve. 2025 has been a year of laying the groundwork for major projects that will define Anguilla's development for the next decade. We are advancing land acquisition and high-level design work to prepare for major construction developments, ensuring that they are fit for purpose and responsive to community needs. Maintenance and renovation work on government buildings alongside energy efficient installations and acquisitions will ultimately reduce operational costs and prevent deterioration that will ultimately cost much more to repair. Madam Speaker, we continue to intensify support to the agriculture and fisheries sectors, driving local food security and safeguarding livelihoods.

The rollout of the aquaponics system and the ongoing provision of shade houses, water tanks and poultry inputs strengthened our local production capacity and brings us closer to the goal of reduced dependence on food imports. Also worthy of mention is that Anguilla has now accessed the Caribbean Ocean and Aquaculture Sustainability Facility cost offered by the Caribbean Catastrophic Risk Insurance Facilities, CCRIF. This parametric insurance mechanism is groundbreaking for our fisheries sector. It will enable government to provide protection and support to fisherfolk in the aftermath of disasters. 2025 has been a year of consolidation and recalibration, a year in which we have taken stock, we focused our priorities and now chart the way forward with clarity and with purpose.

When both the recurrent and capital accounts are taken together, the government's overall fiscal position for 2025 is projected to record an overall surplus of approximately 126.9 million, compared to a budgeted deficit of 20.1 million. After accounting for amortisation payments of 39.6 million, the overall balance for 2025 is projected to remain in surplus at approximately $87.3 million.

This positive outcome has been driven by stronger than expected non tax revenue performance, particularly from domain name revenues coupled with lower than budgeted capital expenditure. The latter reflects the natural slowdown in project execution during the transition to a new administration as we undertook a careful review of the capital portfolio to realign priorities and ensure value for money. Madam Speaker, this surplus is not the product of understanding for its own sake, but of deliberate stewardship, of pausing to ensure that every project we advance is meaningful, affordable and aligned with our development vision.

It reflects the prudence of a government determined to build not just quickly, but correctly. Importantly, this favorable balance positions Anguilla to enter 2026 on a foundation of stability, renewed fiscal space and confidence in our capacity to deliver. This is how credibility is built, through management that is steady in principle, prudent in action, and focused always on results that strengthen our island's future. My government, upon assuming office in March of this year, recognized the critical importance of prudent public debt management and remains steadfast in maintaining credible and sustainable debt levels.

As anticipated, the downward trend in public debt continued throughout fiscal year 2025. Preliminary estimates indicate that public and publicly guaranteed debt, comprising central government and government guarantees, debt of state owned enterprises, SOEs, is projected at 292.4 million, 19.91% of GDP at the end of fiscal year 2025. This represents a reduction of 39.74 million over the 2024 total of 332.14 million, 23.62% of GDP.

Of this projected total, the central government debt stock is projected at 292.17 million, 19.9% of GDP, reflecting a decline of 39.58 million compared to 331.74 million, 23.59% of GDP in 2024. Meanwhile, government guaranteed debt is projected at 0.23 million, less than 1% of GDP, a decrease of 0.17 million compared to 0.40 million in 2024. These reductions reflect the fact that scheduled amortization during the year is projected to exceed disbursements. By the end of 2025, central government debt is projected to account for 99.92% of the total public and publicly guaranteed debt stock, while government guaranteed SOE debt will represent the remaining 0.08%, comprising loans held by the Anguilla Development Board.

The domestic debt portion of the debt stock is projected at 62.8 percent, 183.61 million, with the external debt portion representing 37.2 percent, $108.79 million. Madam Speaker, during fiscal year 2025, no new debt was contracted and no disbursements were made on existing loans. Furthermore, my government has no plans for additional borrowing over the medium term.

In line with recent patterns, the government did not utilize its existing lines of credit under the ECCB cash advance facility or the overdraft facility with the National Commercial Bank of Anguilla, NCBA Limited. During the fiscal year, the government does not anticipate utilizing these existing short-term lines of credit over the medium term. Also, no new debt was contracted nor any disbursements associated with the government guaranteed SOE debt. At the cost of servicing central government debt, the cost of servicing central government debt is projected to decline from 51.68 million in 2025, amortization 39.63 million, interest 12.05 million, to 50.4 million in 2026, amortization 39.44 million and interest 10.96 million.

This represents a decrease of 2.48%, 1.28 million, due to the continued reduction in the debt stock and reduction in debt servicing costs associated with lower variable interest rates on external debt, which currently stand at 5%, compared to 5.6% at the end of 2024. My government remains committed to managing these costs prudently to ensure continued fiscal sustainability. Madam Speaker, under the Framework for Fiscal Sustainability and Development, FFSD, the Government of Anguilla must maintain debt levels within three stipulated borrowing limits.

The net debt to revenue ratio must not exceed 80% of recurrent revenue. The debt service to revenue ratio must not exceed 10% of recurrent revenue. Liquid assets must be sufficient to cover at least 90 days or 20% of recurrent expenditure.

Madam Speaker, under the Framework for Fiscal Sustainability and Development, FFSD, the Government of Anguilla must maintain debt levels within three stipulated borrowing limits. The net debt to revenue ratio must not exceed 80% of recurrent revenue. The debt service to revenue ratio must not exceed 10% of recurrent revenue. Liquid assets must be sufficient to cover at least 90 days or 20.5% of recurrent expenditure.

Preliminary projections for the end of 2025 indicate full compliance with these borrowing limits. Although full compliance would be achieved, some notable improvements are highlighted compared to fiscal year 2024. The net debt ratio is projected at -0.31% compared to 14.61% at the end of 2024. The debt service ratio is projected at 9.23%, improving from 11.31% in 2024. The liquid assets ratio is projected at 87.39%, approximately 315 days compared to 89.7%, approximately 323 days in 2024.

By the end of 2025, Anguilla's debt to GDP ratio, a key measure recognized by regional partners, is projected to stand at 19.91%, a marked improvement from 23.62% in 2024. This places the Government of Anguilla 40.09 percentage points below the ECCU target benchmark of 60%, reflecting our continued commitment to sound fiscal management. Madam Speaker, let me explain what these numbers mean in straightforward terms.

When we talk about the net debt ratio improving, it means the government will have more financial assets on hand than it owes in debt. In other words, Anguilla will be operating in the positive, owing less than we own. The debt service ratio tells us how much of our annual recurrent revenue is used to pay back loans. At just under 10%, it means that for every dollar collected, less than $0.10 goes to debt repayment.

That's a strong signal that we are managing our obligations responsibly, freeing up more funds for schools, healthcare, roads and the everyday needs of our people. The liquid assets ratio measures how much cash we have compared to our annual spending. At nearly 88 percent or roughly 315 days, it shows that we are maintaining strong cash reserves. Thank you.

This shows that we will maintain strong cash reserves to meet our daily obligations and manage any unexpected challenges without disruption. That is real resilience, Madam Speaker. And finally, our debt to GDP ratio, which is the key regional benchmark, is projected at under 20%, far below the ECCU 60% target. This tells our people and our partners that Anguilla's finances are stable, sustainable and well managed. Put simply, Madam Speaker, these results show that Anguilla is standing on firm fiscal ground.

We are paying what we owe, saving for the future and protecting the stability that allows us to keep investing in our people. Debt servicing costs, particularly principal repayments, totaling 39.44 million in 2026, are projected to decline slightly over the medium term and remain manageable. Projections under the MTEFP and the MTDS suggest full compliance with all borrowing ratios under the FFSD framework by the end of fiscal year 2025 and sustained compliance thereafter.

The ratios are on a favorable path due to the projected revenue growth generated during the period. This is attributed to the continued revenue performance, particularly domain name revenues over the forecast period. The MTEFP projects overall deficits after amortization for the first two years of the medium term. The government plans to address these financing needs by sourcing the needed funds from the consolidated fund and utilizing the reserves and liquid assets.

This strategy will temporarily reduce the liquid assets ratio, but the government is projected to remain in full compliance with the fiscal benchmarks over the medium term. Madam Speaker, the fiscal review reflects the discipline and resilience of our public service and our people, yet as a new administration, we cannot be content with stability alone.

The fiscal picture I have outlined tells the story not only of discipline, but of potential. Stability is not our destination, it is our launching pad. This budget is therefore not simply an account of what has been managed, but the blueprint for what must now be built. The time has come to transform stability into opportunity, to translate sound management into visible results and to give new meaning to responsible leadership in action. Madam Speaker, there is no greater duty of any government than to keep its people safe, saving their homes, secure at their borders and confident in the strength of the institutions that guard their freedom.

In 2026, this administration moves with purpose to fortify Anguilla’s security, not through fear, but through foresight. We are modernizing the way we protect our island, investing in technology, people and systems that give Anguillians confidence in their tomorrow. Our borders are being reimagined for the future. We will roll out a state-of-the-art border management system, bringing electronic travel authorization and risk management tools that make our ports safer, smarter and more efficient.

Key Immigration Services will move online so that travelers and residents alike experience speed, transparency and professionalism. Behind these systems are our people, trained, competent and focused on service. We are building a border management model that is secure, digital and deeply people-centered. But security is not only about technology, it is about the people who wear the uniform and bear the weight of public trust. The overall allocation for the Royal Anguilla Police Force will rise from 16.49 million in 2025 to 20.54 million in 2026, an increase of nearly 25%.

This significant investment demonstrates the government's unwavering commitment to strengthening national security through people, professionalism, and preparedness. Our Royal Anguilla Police Force will continue to grow with a renewed emphasis on local recruitment and training. We are advancing programs in partnership with the UK government to ensure that young Anguillians can now access professional policing instruction right here at home, building both capacity and confidence in the next generation of officers. We are not just training police, we are shaping role models, community leaders and guardians of public trust.

This expanded budget will support new positions both in police officers as well as the emergency response team and enhanced training. It also maintains limited support from UK armed response officers, whose presence continues to provide specialized expertise and emergency response. While we value this partnership, our direction is clear. The intention of this administration is to transition toward full self-reliance, strengthening the force from within so that external assistance becomes a bridge, not a dependency.

Through knowledge transfer, leadership development and steady recruitment, we are preparing our officers to assume full responsibility for the security of this island. This is a path of confidence and nationhood, investing in our people, empowering our institutions, and ensuring that the Guardians of Anguilla's peace and order are proudly and capably Anguillian. New radar and surveillance systems will strengthen the monitoring of our coastline and territorial waters, guarding our borders and preserving the peace and safety our communities depend on. The joint emergency services called Centum will expand its reach, integrating probation monitoring, coastal surveillance and islandwide CCTV coverage.

These are not just upgrades in equipment, they are upgrades in how we protect our people through smart systems that work together in real time for the safety of all. At Her Majesty's Prison, rehabilitation will remain our focus in 2026. The newly completed Prison workshop will open its doors to vocational and trade training programs, giving inmates a second chance to gain skills that help them rebuild their lives and contribute positively to society. When we invest in rehabilitation, we invest in safer neighborhoods and a safer Anguilla.

Justice is a foundation of good governance. The new legal assistance policy will ensure that no person is denied the constitutional right to a fair trial simply because they cannot afford representation. Under this policy, most individuals appearing before the High Court will have access to legal counsel. This is fairness in action, justice that serves everyone equally.

The Attorney General's chambers will also be strengthened with four new legal positions dedicated to improving the prosecution of criminal matters. These investments mean that cases will move faster, justice will be more accessible, and public confidence in the system will continue to grow. Beyond law and order, Madam Speaker, national security means readiness.

Following Anguilla's redesignation as Tsunami Ready and the successful completion of our new comprehensive disaster management strategy, we have reaffirmed our position as one of the most resilient small island jurisdictions in the region. This is a tremendous achievement and one we intend to build on. In 2026, we will continue to strengthen disaster preparedness and enhance our early warning systems because true security is not just about defense, it is about resilience, the capacity of our people, our institutions and our island to adapt, recover and rise stronger after every test. Madam Speaker, security is not a slogan.

It is the steady work of leadership, of investing wisely, planning and building institutions that last in every sense. We are moving from reaction to readiness, from dependence to discipline. Anguilla's safety will not rest on chance or charity, but on the strength of our own people and the systems we continue to build. This government will stay the course, firm, forecast and unflinching in protecting our island and safeguarding the future of every Anguillian.

Security may keep us safe, but it is people who move us forward. And so as we build resilience, we must also build capacity in our health, our education, our families, and our future. At the heart of this budget and at the heart of this administration is one conviction. When our people flourish, our island prospers. Every decision, every program and every reform under this government is guided by a single principle: that people are not a cost to be managed, but an investment to be multiplied. In 2026, our focus remains clear: to build a stronger, healthier, more compassionate Anguilla where education, wellness and opportunity are the pillars of shared progress.

True prosperity begins with good health. Through the Ministry of Health, we are implementing the National Strategic Plan for Health 2025 to 2030. We are transforming how care is delivered, making it more modern, accessible and people-centered. This year, we will expand the number of nurses, paramedics and emergency responders, while strengthening leadership across the system through new coordination and management roles.

Investments of more than 13 million in 2026 will upgrade the MRI suite, ambulance bay, operating theater, laundry and psychiatric ward, supported by new ambulances, upgraded digital systems and improved medical waste management. We are also expanding compassion. The Junior Shield Medical Program launched this year now provides free care for all children under six, and the Medical Shield Program will be broadened this year to include dialysis patients, extending relief to persons in need of life-saving treatment who reside in Anguilla. Our nurses, the backbone of our healthcare system, are being re-empowered.

The appointment of a chief nursing officer, the intended creation of a nursing council, and the introduction of the Nursing Cadet program will restore pride and professionalism to a calling that sits at the very heart of public service. This is how we move from treatment to transformation, building a health system that heals, uplifts, and ensures that every Anguillian can live with dignity and hope. But health is more than hospitals, it is the well-being of families, the strength of communities and the care we show for one another. Through programs like Potential Unlocked and Social Upskilling, the Ministry of Social Development is reaching young people at risk, pairing mentorship and skills training with wraparound social support that turns vulnerability into opportunity.

The Family First program continues to equip parents and caregivers with the tools to raise resilient, emotionally secure children, reinforcing the home as a foundation of national development. And because mental health is just as critical as physical health, we will continue to strengthen psychological care, recruiting both a clinical psychologist and a substance abuse counselor to support schools, families, and justice-involved individuals across our communities. We are also modernizing how we keep our islands safe and clean, expanding waste collection, improving recycling, and upgrading inspection and food safety standards to protect public health.

We are also modernizing how we keep our islands safe and clean, expanding waste collection, improving recycling, and upgrading inspection and food safety standards to protect public health. A cleaner, greener Anguilla is not only a healthier island, but also a more competitive one. These are investments not just in services, Madam Speaker, but in people, in dignity and in second chances.

Our education reforms remain the bedrock of this investment in people. The completion and commissioning of the technical block at the Albena Lake Hodge Comprehensive School will expand technical and vocational programs, preparing young people for the modern workforce. The Inspire program will reach every primary school, ensuring equal access to quality early learning while the WISE Campus continues to expand alternative education opportunities. A new sports hub will rise at Campus Q, offering improved facilities for youth.

And the community engagement, and with the rollout of the Education Management Information system and the launch of a national e-learning platform, we are reimagining how our children learn, connect and grow in the digital age. Madam, Speaker, we are also ensuring that no child goes hungry. The School Meals Program will continue to provide nutritious meals in every public primary school and will now extend to the Valley Primary School, supported by a new modern kitchen facility. We take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude to the Richard Schultz Family Foundation for its continued partnership and generosity.

Their steadfast support has strengthened this vital program, helping us to nourish young minds, promote wellness, and give every child the foundation they deserve to learn and to thrive. And through the introduction of a new digital system for social protection, families in need will have faster, fairer and more transparent access to assistance, ensuring that no one falls through the cracks. Ma'am. Speaker.

Every community deserves a pathway to dignity. Construction will continue this year under Zenaida Haven Juvenile Rehabilitation Center, a modern facility that will provide comprehensive psychosocial and rehabilitative care for youth. We will also introduce electronic monitoring technology to strengthen rehabilitation and reduce recidivism, helping individuals reintegrate safely and productively into society. This is what compassion looks like in practice.

Justice with mercy, structure with support, and opportunity with accountability. Madam Speaker. From our hospitals to our classrooms, from our clinics to our kitchens, this budget invests in what truly builds a territory, its people. We are strengthening families, empowering youth, expanding access to care and protecting those who need us most. This is not charity, it is strategy. Because when our people rise, Anguilla rises with them.

Madam Speaker. No jurisdiction is defined only by its buildings or its budgets. It is defined by the strength of its people, their spirit, their stories, and the pride that binds them together. That is why this government continues to invest in sports and culture, not as afterthoughts but as engines of wellness, identity and national pride. In 2026, we take another bold step forward, guided by the National Sports Policy towards a healthier, happier Anguilla.

More than 1.5 million will be dedicated to the construction of a modern track and field facility, a world class space where our athletes can train, compete and dream right here at home. The Blowing Point basketball court will also be completed. Creating another space for recreation youth engagement. And the community connection. And madam, speaker. 2026 will mark a truly historic milestone, the formal recognition of both racing as Anguilla's National Sport. This long cherished tradition, it's woven into the fabric of our identity.

A symbol of unity. Courage and the indomitable spirit that defines our people. But our investment in sport is also about creating opportunity. Through partnerships with regional athletic bodies and educational institutions, we are expanding access to scholarships, coaching, certification and athletic exchanges. Public private partnerships will also be explored to modernize sporting facilities and grow sports tourism. Opening doors for our young people to showcase their skill and discipline. Beyond our shores. Madam.

Speaker. The same passion that propels our athletes also fuels our creative and cultural energy. The arts, festivals and heritage of this island are not just reflections of who we have been, but they are the blueprint of who we are becoming. Through the Festival Development Commission, we are modernizing how our festivals are managed, promoted and monetized, ensuring that creativity translates into opportunity.

And I must pause here, Madam Speaker, to acknowledge the Minister of Culture, whose passion and persistence are driving this reform full steam ahead. In fact, the first reading of the Festival Commission bill was taken in this very House earlier today. We look forward to an even bolder, brighter Anguilla Summer festival next year, one that celebrates our culture and showcases the best of who we are. We are also advancing the creation of the National Museum, a space that will preserve our story while igniting new ones. It will serve as a cornerstone of heritage, education and entrepreneurship, where tradition and innovation meet.

These investments in sport, in culture and creativity are not side notes to development. They are central to it. They nurture pride, strengthen unity, and remind us that our greatest wealth is not found in numbers, but in our people, in their spirit, their skill, and their unshakable belief in this little island they call home. Madam.

Speaker. Every reform. Every investment. Every decision in this budget comes back to one truth. Our people are the plan. We are building an Anguilla where healthcare is modern, education is accessible, work is dignified and culture is celebrated where every family can stand on the strength of opportunity and every child can believe that their future begins here. This is not abstract policy, it is a daily work of progress, and we will continue to do it not with spectacle, but with steadiness. Not for headlines, but for history.

This is what moving forward together truly means. People as our foundation, purpose as our direction, prosperity as our shared reward. Madam Speaker. As we invest in our people, we must also open the doors of opportunity. The next phase of our journey is about transformation. Converting resilience into productivity and stability into growth. This administration is shifting Anguilla from a recovery economy to a producing economy where innovation, enterprise and technology create new value at home and across our borders.

Madam Speaker, when we invest in people, we build the foundation for every other form of progress. But investment in people must be matched by the creation of opportunity. The next stage of this budget focuses on transforming that human potential into economic strength, building the systems, industries and innovations that drive sustainable growth. The test of any economy is not how it performs in comfort, but how it adapts in change, and this administration is determined to build an Anguilla that does not merely endure global shifts but shapes its own direction through innovation, sound management and the steady empowerment of its people. In 2026, our focus is clear.

To strengthen the pillars that sustain growth. Food, water, land, technology and tourism. The foundation of a resilient and opportunity driven Anguilla. At the heart of a self reliant island lies the ability to feed its people. For too long Anguilla's dependence on imports has left us vulnerable to supply disruptions and rising global prices. This budget changes that. In 2026, we will bolster food security by strategically investing in sustainable agriculture and modern food production systems. We are expanding our support for local farmers through advanced technologies like recirculating, aquaponics and controlled environment agriculture.

These innovations are not just buzzwords, they are practical solutions that will maximize local production. Enhance the quality of our food and empower our producers to adapt to harsh climatic conditions. The construction of the national abattoir will mark a turning point, giving livestock farmers the capacity to meet local demand, strengthen value chains and reduce costs for households. This is how we build true resilience.

From the ground up, with our own hands and our own harvest. Ma'am Speaker, food security remains one of this government's top priorities not as a slogan but as a serious economic mission. At the end of this month, while in London, I have arranged several meetings with potential partners, suppliers and distributors to strengthen our food systems and supply chains. These discussions will explore new technologies, sustainable inputs and strategic sourcing options that can help stabilize prices, expand production, and ensure reliability across our food network.

We are pursuing every opportunity to make Anguilla more self-sufficient and less exposed to external shocks. Madam Speaker, I turn now to water. Clean and reliable water is not a privilege, it is a necessity, and it is a right. In 2026, we are allocating significant funds for the water network redevelopment project. This is a comprehensive modernization of our most vital resource. This major capital project includes extensive pipe relays to replace aging infrastructure, advanced leak detection initiatives to eliminate wastage and the construction of a new modern home for the Department of Water Services.

Every drop matters, Madam Speaker, and through these reforms we are ensuring that every household, every farmer and every investor can depend on a safe, stable water supply. Our long term prosperity depends on the responsible management of our land and natural assets. That is why this budget directs new resources to sustainable land and environmental management, reinforcing our commitment to resilience and green growth. We are purchasing modern equipment and technology to reduce, recover and recycle waste. A key component of this is the transformation of the Karito facility into a sustainable waste management site for the future.

These measures are not only environmentally sound but are also economically strategic. By strengthening our regulatory framework and promoting a circular economy, we are creating green jobs, fostering innovation and future proofing our island for generations to come. Sustainability, Madam Speaker, is not an expense, it is an investment in the very soil from which our progress grows.

Ma'am. Speaker. Few small islands can claim a global footprint in the digital economy, but Anguilla can. Our AI domain name has become more than an address on the Internet, it is a symbol of how intelligence, governance and innovation can converge to create lasting value. Revenue from domain name registration continues to exceed expectations, reflecting the growing global demand for artificial intelligence and the steady professionalism with which Anguilla manages this unique asset. Madam Speaker, revenues from .AI domain registrations are projected to contribute nearly 40% of total non-tax revenue.

A remarkable example of how a small island can create global value through good governance and foresight. While the task is not simply to collect revenue, it is to manage it wisely. The message is clear. .AI is not just a revenue stream, it is a nation building tool for the digital age.

And through prudent management, we will ensure that this opportunity uplifts every Anguillian, not for a moment, but for a generation. Madam Speaker. If .AI represents the future, tourism remains the heartbeat of our present. It is the industry that connects our creativity, our hospitality and our natural gifts to the world. Tourism remains one of the greatest expressions of Anguilla's resilience, creativity and global identity.

It is not merely an industry, it is a way of life, a living connection between our people and the world. Our ambition is clear: to move beyond traditional tourism, building a model that is sustainable, inclusive and proudly Anguillian. Our development strategy places people at the center. We are investing deeply in human capital, innovation and service excellence, ensuring that the men and women who represent our destination are trained, empowered and positioned for success.

The government will continue to expand training, mentorship and certification programs across hospitality, the creative industries and the fast growing areas of eco tourism and wellness travel. When our people rise, the entire destination rises with them. Tourism today is no longer just about beautiful beaches, it is about authenticity, community and purpose. That is why we are embedding sustainability at the heart of every initiative.

Tourism today is no longer just about beautiful beaches; it is about authenticity, community, and purpose. That is why we are embedding sustainability at the heart of every initiative. We are weaving together the threads of the orange, blue, and green economies, creating opportunities in culture, marine activity, and environmental stewardship that strengthen livelihoods while preserving what makes Anguilla unique. The Ministry of Health, Tourism and Sports partnerships with regional and international agencies will continue to unlock access to technical expertise.

Funding and technology will keep Anguilla at the forefront of global tourism trends. Our Anguilla Tourist Board, the ATB, will continue to drive this transformation with bold strategic marketing. In 2026, the ATB will sharpen its focus on key source markets in North America, the UK, and Europe, while deepening its digital presence to reach the next generation of high-value visitors. The Board's vision, the totality of the Anguilla experience, captures what sets our island apart: the warmth of our people, the quality of our products, and the authenticity of our purpose.

Every campaign, every partnership, and every investment will tell that story to the world—that Anguilla is more than a place to visit, it is a place to belong. Madam Speaker, this commitment to excellence extends to how we welcome the world. The completion of the Clayton J Lloyd International Airport Terminal represents a defining step in that journey. This new facility will transform how travelers experience Anguilla with faster processing, greater comfort, and increased capacity for regional and international flights. Work will also begin on the runway and apron expansion, enabling us to accommodate larger aircraft and new routes, opening the door to more opportunities for trade, investment, and tourism growth. We are also expanding our sea access through improved ferry terminals and upgraded port facilities, ensuring that the journey to Anguilla, whether by air or sea, is seamless, efficient, and world-class.

Together, these investments are transforming how the world connects with us, strengthening our competitiveness in an increasingly demanding global travel market. Anguilla's tourism is entering a new era—rooted in sustainability, powered by innovation, and driven by our people. We are building a tourism industry that reflects who we are: confident, creative, and ready to claim our place among the best in the world. Madam Speaker, the next chapter of Anguilla's development must be about transformation—moving from recovery to productivity, from reliance to resilience.

For years, public investment has carried the weight of growth. The time has come to unlock the full power of private enterprise, innovation, and technology through digital monetization of our dot AI domain, green infrastructure, and strategic reforms. We are laying the foundation for a diversified economy, one that earns more, spends wiser, and provides opportunity for every Anguillian to prosper. Madam Speaker, economic growth cannot stand on ideas alone.

It must rest on the strength of the foundations that support it: the infrastructure that connects us, the energy that powers us, and the digital systems that move us forward. This is the mission of the Ministry of Infrastructure, a ministry that is quite literally building the Anguilla of tomorrow. As we continue this journey of resilience, shared purpose, and people-centered development, I am reminded of the words of Henry Ford: If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself. That spirit of collective progress guides our work.

It is embedded in the People's Plan, a vision of empowered people, clear purpose, and prosperity for all Anguillians. Madam Speaker, the Anguillian dream must be supported by the infrastructure we build. Airport redevelopment stands as a vital pillar in Anguilla's journey toward inclusive growth and transformation. In 2026, we will celebrate the completion of the expanded aircraft apron, an essential complement to the new terminal building. This new space will allow the simultaneous parking of multiple large aircraft, improved turnaround times, and increased operational efficiency. It is not just about infrastructure; it is a launchpad for opportunity.

In tandem, the runway extension project will commence in 2026, a bold step that will expand our capacity and unlock new opportunities for international airlift. Already, we are seeing the benefits of strategic route development with direct services to Boston, Newark, and Baltimore, connecting Anguilla to key metropolitan gateways. These investments affirm our shared purpose to make Anguilla more connected, more competitive, and more accessible to the world. As this work advances, we will also upgrade the Anguilla Fire and Rescue Service training facility to ensure that our officers remain certified to international standards and prepared to protect both residents and visitors.

At the same time, we continue to move forward with the expansion of the Blowing Point Ferry Terminal, including the construction of an additional finger pier, new parking facilities, and improved traffic flow for taxis, rentals, and private vehicles. These upgrades will reduce congestion, enhance passenger safety, and modernize our operations, all shaped through community consultation. Work will also begin on an upland development at Road Bay Port, including new warehousing, yard paving, and port access roads to strengthen logistics, improve efficiency, and position Anguilla as a model for smart, sustainable port management in the region. Turning to our road network, we are investing $14 million to rehabilitate and develop Anguilla's road network, a critical step in connecting people and communities, supporting commerce, and improving everyday life.

For too long, deteriorating roads have burdened our residents and businesses. This ambitious program, supported by a pavement engineering consulting firm, will address years of deferred maintenance and ensure a modern, durable, and safe road system. In 2026, work will focus on key routes including the Raphael T. Lake and A.R.

Lake roads. These are the roads connecting the airport to the roundabout by the Central Polyclinic, as well as the stretch from Mary's Bakery to the Albena Lake Hodge Comprehensive School campus, improving school access and easing congestion. These projects will create jobs, improve connectivity, and deliver a tangible difference in the daily lives of people. We are continuing the transformative step to enhance the delivery of public services through the construction of two fit-for-purpose, energy-efficient government office buildings.

These modern facilities will bring key departments together under one roof, creating a centralized hub that promotes collaboration, accessibility, and efficiency. Designed with smart technologies and green features, they will symbolize a modern government that serves its people with openness, professionalism, and care. Madam Speaker, solar and wind energy are not just environmentally sound, they are economically smart.

In 2026, we will ensure that the people of Anguilla benefit from a cleaner, cheaper, and more secure energy mix, from solar installations at the Princess Alexandra Hospital to the rollout of electric vehicle charging stations and solar-powered streetlights. Our energy transformation is already underway. Most notably, ANGLEC will install a 12 MW solar plant, a landmark initiative that will significantly boost national energy independence and reduce electricity costs for households and businesses alike. These initiatives are environmentally responsible, socially empowering, and aligned with our national energy policy, integrated resource resilience plan, and electric vehicle transition plan.

They represent progress that is green, grounded, and geared towards prosperity. Madam Speaker, the future of government is digital. In 2026, we will accelerate the transformation of public services to make them faster, more transparent, and more responsive to our people. This includes major investments in ICT infrastructure, strengthening the government's data centers and cybersecurity systems, expanding network capacity, and deploying new e-government platforms. We are also developing low-code applications to improve departmental efficiency and integrating CCTV and access control systems that support national security. We will continue to build capacity across ministries through targeted digital training, ensuring that technology serves both the public officer and the public they serve.

Madam Speaker, our ambition goes further. Working with the Public Utilities Commission, we will create a policy and legislative framework to accelerate transformative technologies from 5G and the Internet of Things to satellite connectivity. These investments will enhance reliability, expand access, and ensure that every Anguillian can participate fully in the digital economy. Even as we strengthen the physical foundations of progress—our roads, our ports, our energy, and digital systems—we must also strengthen the institutional foundations that uphold good governance and public trust. Because no matter how impressive the infrastructure, true development depends on the integrity, efficiency, and commitment of the people who serve within it.

That is why this government remains firmly focused on building a modern, accountable, and people-centered public service—one that delivers results, honors the public's confidence, and stands as the backbone of democracy. Madam Speaker, at the heart of good governance is trust—the confidence of our people that the government manages public resources with fairness, discipline, and purpose.

This year, the Ministry of Finance took bold steps to strengthen that trust through the launch of Anguilla's first ever Citizens Budget Survey. We invited our people to share what matters most. They told us clearly: security, education, youth, and health. Madam Speaker, we listened. Those very priorities shape this budget. Transparency will remain our hallmark. We will soon publish the second edition of the Citizens Budget, followed by quarterly fiscal reports, and we will continue to publish public debt bulletins so that every Anguillian can see how resources are raised, spent, and safeguarded.

We are also reforming how government earns revenue. Our Inland Revenue Department and Customs Department continue to modernize operations, investing in digital systems, risk-based audits, and improved customer service to make compliance easier and enforcement fairer. These upgrades mean stronger collections, better efficiency, and ultimately more resources to invest back into our economy and our communities. At the same time, our Treasury Department is continuing the work for the upgrade of the government's payment and financial management system.

This reform will modernize how we process payments, manage cash flow, and reconcile accounts, introducing stronger controls across ministries and departments. It is about building a government that is digital, responsive, and accountable. Alongside this, Madam Speaker, we are advancing procurement reforms and performance-based budgeting, ensuring that every contract, every project, and every program delivers clear value for money.

And looking ahead, we are laying the groundwork for the establishment of a sovereign wealth fund, a long-term investment vehicle to secure and grow national assets for future generations. Technical assistance has already been requested from our development partners to support its design and implementation, and I'm pleased to report that this support has now been confirmed. This is what stewardship looks like: transparent, responsible, and forward-looking. It is how we build a government worthy of the people's trust and an Anguilla ready for the opportunities of tomorrow.

Madam Speaker, strong finances alone do not build a strong territory. It is people who do—the integrity of our public service, the accountability of our systems, and the efficiency of our institutions are what turn resources into results. That is why this administration continues to invest in good governance, effective leadership, and a modern, people-centered public service—one that delivers with competence, compassion, and pride. At the heart of every successful government is a public service at work—one that is efficient, accountable, and responsive to the people it serves. I have made it clear that this administration expects no less.

In 2026, we will continue the work of building a modern, people-centered public service—one that delivers results, manages resources wisely, and treats every interaction with the public as a measure of our credibility. The Office of the Deputy Governor will lead this charge through the implementation of the Five Year Public Sector Reform Agenda 2025 to 2030. This agenda will modernize the General Orders, introduce a fair and transparent compensation framework, and launch a people-focused strategy that redefines how government engages with the public. These reforms are not about bureaucracy; they're about trust.

They're about ensuring that when persons walk into government offices, they are met with efficiency, respect, and professionalism. But, Madam Speaker, motivation and efficiency begin with fairness—with the assurance that those who serve are respected and properly rewarded. That is why this administration has set aside resources in the 2026 budget for anticipated public service compensation adjustments. The review is well advanced, and we expect the first draft of the final report by February 2026.

Motivation and efficiency begin with fairness, with the assurance that those who serve are respected and properly rewarded. That is why this administration has set aside resources in the 2026 budget for anticipated public service compensation adjustments. The review is well advanced, and we expect the first draft of the final report by February 2026. Once complete, we remove deliberately and responsibly.

Fiscal discipline remains our watchword. Any salary adjustment must be fair, affordable and built to last. And I have no doubt that my team in finance will measure twice before we move once. But Madam Speaker, I want to pause here, because behind every balanced budget are the people who make government work.

Our public officers have shouldered enormous responsibility, often under difficult conditions. Many have served without a meaningful salary increase since 2008 and only began to see restoration in 2024. They have worked in spaces that are cramped, that are uncomfortable and other less than desirable conditions, yet they show up. Day after day.

To keep this island running. To our health teams, I owe a special word of thanks. You have held the line through pandemics and recovery and structural change. You give of yourselves long after others go home. As we continue the process of ensuring fair compensation, I want you to know that this government sees you. Values you and remains committed to ensuring that recognition translates into action. Madam, Speaker, we must continue to make public service a place of pride, a place that attracts capable, qualified professionals who see this work not as a stepping stone, but as a calling. And yes, that means fair pay.

But it also means renewed discipline. Pride. And accountability. Because with every right comes a responsibility. To show up. To serve with excellence and to treat every interaction with the public. As an act of trust. So to our officers, I said thank you for your patience, your professionalism, and your perseverance.

But ma'am, speaker, fairness alone is not enough. Motivation is about more than compensation, is about conditions, leadership and the opportunity to grow. It is about giving our officers the tools, the training and the environment they need to perform at their best. We are not only rewarding work done, we are building capacity for the future.

In 2026, more than $6 million will be invested in new and ongoing training initiatives across the public service and wider community. This includes leadership and management programs, technical skills development and professional certifications, ensuring that our people are equipped to serve with competence, confidence and creativity. In a changing world. Ma'am, Speaker, I now turn to constitutional reform.

As we strengthen our institutions, modernize public administration, and rebuild trust in the machinery of government. We must also look to the framework that governs us all, the Constitution itself. In the year ahead, this administration will continue the careful and inclusive work of constitutional reform, a process aimed at ensuring that Anguilla's supreme law reflects the maturity of our democracy, the values of our people and the evolving realities of our governance as a British overseas territory. Our relationship with the United Kingdom has long been one grounded in partnership and mutual respect.

As Anguilla continues to grow in confidence and capacity, it is both appropriate. And necessary that our constitutional arrangements evolve to reflect that progress, strengthening local decision making, clarifying the respective roles of the Governor and the elected government, and ensuring that our institutions remain transparent, accountable and fit for purpose. The reform process would be people centered, consultative and deliberate. It will engage persons from every district, along with our Diaspora, constitutional experts and the United Kingdom government.

This will not be changed for its own sake, Madam Speaker, but thoughtful evolution guided by the principles of self-determination, democratic governance and partnership within the wider British family. In this way, Anguilla will move forward not only with stronger institutions, but with a constitutional foundation worthy of the progress we have made and the future we intend to build. Madam Speaker.

These are not promises written on people. They are priorities backed by numbers. Every reform. Every initiative I have outlined. Finds its reflection in the allocations that follow. Our blueprint for development is clear. And our priorities are set. What follows now is the financial plan that will make it real, the 2026 budget and the figures that chart the course for the year ahead.

This Budget Madam Speaker is firmly anchored in the principles of the Fiscal Responsibility Act, ensuring that every dollar spent is matched by discipline, foresight and measurable results. Madam Speaker, this 2026 Budget, the first crafted entirely under this administration, represents A deliberate and forward-looking step in Anguilla's ongoing journey towards sustainable development, economic resilience and shared prosperity.

In line with the theme of moving forward together, People, Purpose, prosperity, the budget process embraced A disciplined and inclusive approach that prioritize fiscal responsibility, alignment with national development goals, measurable performance outcomes, and importantly, the voice of the people captured through our first citizen survey. The outcome, Madam Speaker, is a budget that affirms government commitment to prudent fiscal management while investing strategically in the sectors that drive growth, protect our people, and strengthen the foundation of national progress.

It embodies our vision for a stronger, fairer and more caring Anguilla, one where fiscal discipline supports human development and where every dollar spent reflects purpose, compassion and responsibility. For the fiscal year 2026, the total revenue projected at approximately 597.4 million, representing a 6% increase over the 2025 forecast. Recurrent revenue is expected to reach 595.9 million compared to 560.4 million forecasted out turning in 2025, driven by the continued recovery of key sectors, improvements in compliance and sustained activity in tourism services and construction.

Tax revenue remains a cornerstone of our fiscal architecture with an overall forecasted earning of 286.2 million. The government anticipates continued strong performance across major categories. Taxes on goods and services are estimated at 184 million in 2026. Reflecting a 7.3% decline compared to the projected outurn of 198.37 million in 2025. A 12.5% reduction relative to the original 2025 estimate.

The moderation in collections primarily reflects the full year impact of the reform of the goods and Services tax structure, which took effect in August 2025. This adjustment, while lowering nominal receipts, is expected to increase the financial burden on households. Is expected to ease. Let me repeat that. This adjustment, while lowering nominal receipts, is expected to ease the financial burden on households while preserving fiscal stability and strengthening fairness within the tax system. Taxes on international trade and transactions are projected to maintain a steady contribution of approximately 60.8 million. Payroll and workforce taxes through the Universal Social Levy will reflect consistent employment levels, forecasting revenue collections of 26.1 million for 2026.

Property and income taxes are expected to produce revenue earnings of $8.3 million. Non tax revenue continues to strengthen as public service delivery becomes more efficient and diversified. Sales of goods and services will remain the dominant contributor with an expected revenue forecast of 303.2 million, notably including revenues. From the AI domain, which continues to deliver significant value as a key national asset and demonstrate credible long-term viability. Additionally, collections from property income, fines and penalties and transfers are projected to remain stable throughout the fiscal year of 6.5 million collectively A slight decrease from the previous year projections.

Madam. Speaker. Grant inflows are expected to moderate in 2026 with a contribution amount of 1.5 million. Funds will be sourced from the UK Government in support of Anguilla's Water Production and Distribution Network Investment plan. This support is indicative of the responsiveness to Anguilla's needs and priorities, as this is perhaps one of the most important areas of focus on our agenda and in that we provide a much needed, reliable, efficient and sustainable water supply across all our communities. External partners remain critical allies in funding capital development. Renewable energy and infrastructure modernization.

Continued collaboration with development partners underscores Anguilla's credibility and commitment to sound fiscal governance. Madam Speaker. Turn into expenditure. The 2026 budget reflects the government's continued commitment to sound fiscal management and the efficient allocation of public resources. Total recurrent expenditure for 2026 is estimated at approximately 397.8 million, with allocation strategically directed toward the delivery of essential services and the implementation of the government's development priorities.

The major expenditure categories remain personal emoluments and goods and services, which together account for the largest share of the recurrent budget. Personal emoluments projected at 153.4 million reflect the government's ongoing investment in its public service, the dedicated men and women who ensure that the public service remains motivated and adequately resourced to deliver a national priorities. Goods and services, estimated at 164.6 million, encompass the operational and maintenance costs essential to sustaining service delivery.

Infrastructure upkeep and program execution across ministries and departments. Retiring benefits are projected at approximately 18,000,000. Interest payments estimated at 10 million demonstrate the government's sustained effort to manage public debt responsibly. These interest payments continue the downward trajectory, demonstrating our sustained effort to reduce borrowing costs, safeguard fiscal space and direct more resources towards the priorities that matter most, education, health, security and infrastructure.

Finally, current transfers amounting to approximately 50.6 million include contributions to statutory bodies, regional institutions and essential social programs that directly benefits our people. Madam. Speaker. This expenditure framework ensures that the government remains focused on service delivery. Value for money and fiscal prudence. Balancing the need for operational efficiency with the strategic investment required to build a more resilient and prosperous Anguilla. The total capital expenditure for 2026 is projected at 233.36 million. This is ambitious, but our guiding principle is unchanged.

Our people remain at the heart of everything we do. Ma'am Speaker While the larger projects with significant allocations, including the Airport Development project 87,000,000, the Road Development Program 14,000,000, Land Acquisition for development 40.5 million and the Government Office Accommodation project 19.5 million represent major national investments. Essential to driving economic growth and sustaining long-term progress, it is equally important to recognize and highlight other investments. That also demonstrate our commitment to the national strategic priorities. People Focus projects are the true measure of our development, improving daily lives, strengthening communities and ensuring that growth is both inclusive and meaningful. The fierce improvement of the national water distribution network stands out as one of the most important areas of focus, with plans to start in the long, long path to Sandy Hill.

And the little harbour to Jeremiah Gumbs Hwy. intersection with Blowing Point Rd. areas. This long-term investment will deliver a reliable, efficient and sustainable water supply to all communities across Anguilla and this is a vital foundation for public health, economic activity and resilience. The expansion of the national CCTV network to cover all schools and additional strategic locations represents A crucial next step in enhancing public safety. Combined with the expansion of the integrated Joint Emergency Services Control room to combine the monitoring of 9/11 operations. Coastal surveillance and electronic monitoring. These initiatives strengthen our long-term security, enhance coordination, and provide Peace of Mind for residents and visitors alike.

Ma'am. Speaker, this disciplined approach ensures that fiscal policy remains both credible and sustainable. Even as we advance our development priorities. It recognizes the stability is not achieved by restraint alone, but by purposeful investment by using today's resources wisely to secure tomorrow's growth. The 2026 budget projects a recurrent surplus of 198.09 million, which will serve as a critical buffer for capital investment and debt management. Total amortization is estimated at 39.44 million.

The overall balance, inclusive of capital spending and amortization is projected to reflect a deficit of 73.23 million, consistent with the government's medium term fiscal plan. To support the expenditure, we anticipate the need to draw down approximately 73 million from reserves, ensuring that we maintain critical investments while preserving fiscal resilience. The Ministry of Finance has been allocated 140 million in the 2026 budget, comprising 138.9 million for recurrent expenditure and 1.1 million for capital expenditure.

The recurrent expenditure allocation represents 34.9% of the recurrent budget and a 15.7% decrease from the prior year. This significant decrease is due to the transfer of the health portfolio. From the ministry. There is an increased allocation within the Ministry of Finance as a central allocation of contingency funds to support potential salary adjustments following the outcomes of the Public Sector Compensation Review.

There is an increased allocation within the Ministry of Finance as a central allocation of contingency funds to support potential salary adjustments following the outcomes of the Public Sector Compensation Review. I turn to the key areas of new expenditure. New allocations in Treasury total 1.31 million reflecting prudent investment in the expansion of government's insurance coverage.

This includes expansion of the CCRIF coverage to include the Coast Fisheries Risk Facility as well as coverage for new government vehicles and professional malpractice coverage for our health professionals. The devastation witnessed in Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa is a timely reminder of the value of such foresight. These investments reinforce our commitment to responsible risk management and to using insurance as a key instrument of fiscal resilience. Madam Speaker, within the total capital allocation of the Ministry, provisions are made for the purchase of essential furniture and equipment required for the continued operation of government departments.

Funds have also been set aside as reserves to address unforeseen or unanticipated expenditures that may arise during the financial year, ensuring that government remains responsive and financially resilient. I turn to the Ministry of Social Development and Education. The Ministry of Social Development and Education has been allocated 98.11 million in the 2026 budget, comprising 74.13 million for recurrent expenditure and 23.98 million for capital expenditure.

The recurrent allocation represents 18.6% of the recurrent budget and reflects a 2.6% increase from the prior year. New allocations for the Ministry of Social Development and Education reinforce the government's priorities of advancing community well-being, strengthening education delivery, and empowering youth through inclusive and equitable services. Key funding allocations total .56 million to support teacher salary adjustments, additional teaching posts and new curriculum officers for the roll out of the reformed curriculum. A further .60 million is dedicated to teaching and learning materials, alongside .30 million to enhance early childhood programs to improve health and social protection.

Allocations are provided for a clinical psychologist and drug counselor. Key areas of capital expenditure include 12 million towards completion of the technical block at the ALHCS and planning for the development of a sports hub to facilitate various sporting activities. 1.3 million towards minor education projects including project INSPIRE with the replacement of student and teacher laptops and the upgrade of WISE workshops. 9.5 million towards construction of Zenaida Haven purpose built residential facility. .55 million towards construction at the Landsome Bowl Cultural Center to complete offices for the Festivals Committee and offices for the Department of Youth and Culture.

Collectively, these investments strengthen education, mental health and community resilience, advancing Anguilla's human capital development and social inclusion goals. In the Ministry of Infrastructure, the Ministry of Infrastructure has been allocated 170.5 million in the 2026 budget, comprising 33.42 million for recurrent expenditure and 137.05 million for capital expenditure. The recurrent allocation represents 8.4% of the recurrent budget and a 23.9% decrease from the previous year. The decrease primarily relates to the shift in portfolio subjects such as tourism, which was transferred to a different ministry and which included the allocation for the Anguilla Tourist Board.

Dual recurrent spending for the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, Unity Utilities, Housing, IT and E-Government Services continues to advance the government's priorities of infrastructure modernization, renewable energy development, and digital transformation. Funding includes .21 million for new leadership positions to strengthen project delivery and regulatory oversight. An investment in the capacity of the Ministry of Infrastructure.

This reinforcement ensures that as we build, we do so with discipline, transparency and technical excellence, delivering projects that meet the highest standards of quality, value, and public accountability. Additional allocations include .80 million for consultancy services in digital strategy and IT modernization. Significant resources are also directed toward information systems and cyber security resilience, with 0.59 million for CCTV management, .18 million for ransomware prevention, and additional allocations for data recovery and system upgrades.

New resources are provided that will also strengthen technical staffing and emergency response capacity for the Anguilla Fire and Rescue Service, including the recruitment of six new firefighters and one sub officer. A further $300,000 has been allocated for grants and contributions to advance initiatives which relate to the ministry's broad mandate. We have allocated 19.5 million for government office accommodation.

In 2026, upgrades to existing offices will continue and construction will begin on the first two of four planned four-story buildings. These facilities will centralize government operations, improve public access to services, and create modern energy efficient spaces that reflect the professionalism and pride of our public service. The Royal Development program continues with an investment of 14 million to complete the Jeremiah Gumbs- South Hill Link Road and advanced works in key areas including Sandy Hill and the Valley. This program will not only improve safety and connectivity, but also stimulate economic activity and enhance the daily lives of our people.

The airport development project will focus on completing the new terminal building and starting the runway and apron expansions, positioning Anguilla to handle increased airlift and larger aircraft. Other key initiatives include .4 million towards planning and installation of solar PV systems at the Princess Alexandra Hospital and solar street lights across major public areas, reinforcing our commitment to sustainable energy and cost efficiency. .47 million towards the implementation of digital information systems to modernize and enhance service delivery, efficiency and security across the public sector, including the vehicles and drivers license management system, which streamlines licensing and registration and the border management system, which strengthens security and efficiency at our ports of entry.

Together, these investments reinforce Anguilla's commitment to a modern, connected and resilient national infrastructure that supports innovation, safety and sustainable growth. In the Ministry of Economic Development, the Ministry of Economic Development has been allocated 83.02 million in the 2026 budget, comprising 27.9 million for recurrent expenditure and 55.12 million for capital expenditure. The recurrent allocation represents 7.01% of the recurrent budget and a 49.8% increase from the prior year. This increase is driven by the change in composition and refashioning of the ministry, particularly to include the Department of Water Services.

Highlights of capital expenditure include 9 million to upgrade the national water network, expand metering and strengthen leak detection systems. This will ensure that every drop counts and that every household enjoys a reliable and safe water supply. A further 40.5 million has been earmarked for land acquisition, securing key sites that will unlock the next generation of national infrastructure.

Land is legacy, Madam Speaker, and this government is ensuring that it serves the collective good of our people. In agriculture and fisheries we are investing 1.7 million in modern food systems including aquaponics and the new multi-species abattoir. Planning will also advance for the establishment of a national fish processing facility to support local producers and strengthen food security. Environmental resilience also remains a cornerstone. 2.2 million has been allocated for planning, equipment procurement and the development of a sustainable waste management system at Corito.

This initiative will improve environmental protection and move us toward a cleaner, greener Anguilla. Finally, 1.2 million will fund the National Development Plan, which will guide all future investments, policies and resource allocations with clarity and purpose. Together, these investments demonstrate that this government is building wisely, planning boldly, and acting decisively in the interests of all people and the promise of Anguilla's tomorrow. In the Ministry of Health, health has been allocated $87.4 million in the 2026 budget, comprising 72.9 million in recurrent expenditure and 14.5 million in capital expenditure.

This ministry, newly established under the current administration, represents a strategic alignment of health, tourism and sports, three sectors that are central to the well-being, resilience and economic vitality of all people. Key recurrent allocations under the Ministry include 1.3 million to strengthen our tourism and financial services engines, increasing subventions to the Anguilla Tourist Board for marketing efforts. We have also listened to the people, responding to the clear call for greater investment in healthcare, with funding to expand healthcare staffing through the addition of nurses and anesthetics, paramedics and emergency medical technicians ensuring higher quality care, faster response, and a stronger, more resilient health system.

In the health services development, we are investing 13 million to strengthen the quality and reach of care across our island. This includes the rehabilitation of hospital and polyclinic facilities including the MRI waiting room, operating theater upgrade and works at the Western Polyclinic, and the purchase of modern life-saving medical equipment. These investments will enhance patient care, improve working conditions for our healthcare professionals and ensure that every Anguillian can access the services they need with dignity and with confidence. In sports development, 1.5 million has been allocated for the continued upgrade and rehabilitation of national facilities for training, competition and recreation.

These projects will nurture local talent, expand access for our youth and inspire community pride, ensuring that sport remains not just a pastime but a pathway for health, discipline and national unity. The focus will be on the completion of the Blowing Point basketball court, the upgrade of parks and playing fields, and planning work to establish new facilities and areas of recreation. These investments are essential to nurturing athletic talent, promoting sports participation in schools, and inspiring our people to lead active and healthy lifestyles. These investments are directed toward health, education, infrastructure and community development areas that deliver tangible benefits to our people and support long-term resilience and growth.

The portfolio of the governor has been allocated a total of 52.1 million in the 2026 budget, comprising 50.5 million for recurrent expenditure and 1.6 million for capital expenditure. The recurrent allocation represents 12.7% of the recurrent budget and a 13.2% increase over the prior year. These allocations strengthen national security, enhance governance and improve the efficiency of public service operations.

Key highlights of this allocation include just under 1,000,000 has been allocated for the recruitment of one Assistant Commissioner, two inspectors and eight constables, strengthening the Royal Anguilla Police Force's operational capacity and visibility across the island. Funds have been provided for eight new officers in the Joint Emergency Services Center to expand CCTV monitoring and support integrated emergency coordination. Her Majesty's Prison has been allocated additional funds for the appointment of four new prison officers. A party allocation has been provided for constituency allowances, ensuring that Members can continue to engage directly with the people they represent.

Madam Speaker, it is intended these allowances will operate under a structured reimbursement framework, ensuring transparency and accountability. Members would be reimbursed for verified expenses, providing the means to engage constituents while maintaining proper oversight and documentation. This is representation done responsibly through a clear system that strengthens the connection between members and the people they serve. Further information on the framework will be shared once the design has been finalized. The EC 1.6 million in capital expenditure is directed towards critical initiatives.

We are investing in new tactical gear for the Royal Anguilla Police Force and expanding the Joint Emergency Control Center to bring together 911 response, coastal surveillance and offender monitoring under one integrated platform. This modern, coordinated approach will enhance real-time communication, improve response times, and safeguard communities across Anguilla. At Her Majesty's Prison, work will advance on the construction of a vocational training workshop, creating opportunities for inmates to develop practical skills that support rehabilitation and successful reintegration into society. The installation of a new CCTV surveillance system within the prison compound will also strengthen safety, security and accountability for staff and inmates alike.

These investments reflect our belief that true security goes beyond enforcement; it is about prevention, opportunity and second chances, ensuring that every part of the justice system contributes to a safer, more resilient Anguilla. This allocation underscores commitment to strengthening national security through real-time surveillance and communication, and enabling faster, coordinated responses to build public confidence. Madam Speaker, the numbers tell a story of prudence and progress.

But the real story is about people, about the families whose lives will be made easier, the young people whose opportunities will expand, and the communities that will feel the impact of these investments where it matters the most. As we move to close, let us remember that this budget is not about what government spends, it is about what our people gain.

As we move to close, let us remember that this budget is not about what government spends, it is about what our people gain. In conclusion, Madam Speaker. This budget is not a speech of grand declarations. It is a plan of grounded conviction. It reflects a government determined to turn stability into opportunity and opportunity into prosperity. Guided always by the simple truth that progress must serve people.

Together we will build an Anguilla that is steady in governance, strong in purpose, and sure in its direction. People as our foundation, purpose as our direction, prosperity as our shared reward. That is our compass, that is our commitment, and together, Madam Speaker, we will succeed. As I close, Madam Speaker, I know that in different areas, I have been asked questions as to whether or not the civil servants will receive an ex-gratia payment during the Christmas season this year.

I am happy to report that, yes, Madam Speaker, the public service will receive an ex-gratia payment in addition to all of the other statutory bodies that have been provided for in the past. Madam Speaker, I cannot end without expressing my deep gratitude to the technocrats and staff at the Ministry of Finance.

For the last nine months, I've had the privilege of working with them and I found them to be hardworking, capable, professional and I wish in particular to thank the PS of Finance, Miss Marissa Harding-Hodge and the entire team. They are extremely talented. Madam Speaker, I beg to move.

Thank you. Thank you, Madam Speaker, I actually forgot. I was standing on my feet one time. I beg to move that the debate on this Bill for Appropriation 2026 Act, 2025 be adjourned to Monday, 19th November at 9:00 AM. Oh, sorry, the 17th of November at 9:00 AM. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Madam Speaker, I second.

Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, I wish to put on record my congratulations and my sincerest gratitude to the Honourable Premier on the delivery of this budget address and also to the Ministry of Finance team for the outstanding work. They have also been particularly gracious to the Ministry of Social Development and Education over the last few months as I keep knocking on their door. So thank you, PS, and thank you for always honoring my messages and calls.

Thank you. Thank you, nobody. Any other articles today? I recognize the Honourable Member for Sandy Hill.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I would like to first of all thank the persons who are in the gallery for coming out this afternoon. It has been a long budget presentation, about two and a half hours. I thank you for sitting through it all. We appreciate it. Madam Speaker,

I also want to extend my deepest condolences formally to the Member for Island Harbor. He is not present today, but I would have communicated personally, but in this Honourable House, I want to take the opportunity to extend deepest condolences on the loss of his mom and to all of his siblings and children and grandchildren and the extended family, friends and loved ones.

Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Adjournment.

Yes, thank you, Madam Speaker, I beg to move that this Honourable House be adjourned until the 17th of November. Thank you.