Hanley calls for accountability and results at Budget 2027 forum
The Acting Prime Minister told the national forum that people are entitled to expect results and invited participants to challenge the government's assumptions.
BASSETERRE, St Kitts. Acting Prime Minister Dr Geoffrey Hanley has called for greater accountability, disciplined public spending and better delivery of services as the government prepares the 2027 National Budget.
Delivering the keynote address at the Budget 2027 National Forum on Tuesday, Dr Hanley acknowledged progress made over the past four years but said families still needed support, some services needed to improve and several projects needed to be carried out more effectively.
"People are entitled to expect results," Dr Hanley said.
He said public projects must have credible budgets, proper supervision and realistic completion schedules, and that completed infrastructure must be maintained. Every commitment the government makes has a cost, he added, which makes careful management of revenue and spending essential.
Dr Hanley also said the government must answer public scrutiny with evidence and a clear account of its work, describing the examination of government decisions as part of democratic life.
The forum, held under the theme "Investing Strategically, Strengthening Resilience, Delivering for the People", brought together representatives of the private sector, the civil service, non-governmental organisations, student bodies and community groups.
Participants were asked to identify gaps in services, propose investments likely to create local jobs and suggest ways to make government more efficient. Dr Hanley linked national development to reliable water supplies, accessible healthcare, employment and support for households facing cost-of-living pressures.
