Opposition Leader Pringle hopes the water crisis and high cost of living are among major areas addressed in Thursday’s Budget Presentation

Ahead of Thursday’s Budget Presentation by Finance Minister Gaston Browne, Leader of the Opposition Jamale Pringle is hoping to hear more concrete plans on the way forward for the country, including what will be done to solve the protracted water crisis.

Browne will lay out the 2023 Appropriations Bill which will outline how much money the government expects to spend during this fiscal year.

While some mention was made about the water situation and other issues impacting the twin island nation during the Throne Speech over a week ago (February 20), much details were not revealed as to how they would be tackled.

Pringle is hoping that PM Browne, in his presentation, would put the Nation’s mind at ease in announcing detailed plans for the way forward.

The high cost of living and the high unemployment rate are also areas Pringle hopes solutions will be provided for during the annual presentation.

Meanwhile, Damani Tabor, the public relations officer (PRO) for the United Progressive Party (UPP) says the UPP elected six are anticipating the Prime Minister’s presentation and are ready to dissect it to ensure that the people of Antigua and Barbuda get value for money.

Tabor says that he is hoping that the Budget will highlight measures to alleviate the hardships now being experienced by many.

He says that the UPP has already proffered a number of solutions which the government can adopt to bring relief to the people.

PM Browne in 2022 presented a $1.64 billion budget in the House of Representatives, announcing that no new taxes were proposed for that year.