The 2025 budget debate concluded in record time, with contributions from only five Members of Parliament (MPs). This unusual development wasn’t due to an opposition walkout like the last budget but rather a decision by members from both the ruling government and the opposition to abstain from further debate.

MPs from several key ministries—including Health, Public Safety, and Education—chose not to participate, an uncommon occurrence in Parliament. Additionally, MPs Charles Fernandez and Sir Robin Yearwood were notably absent and nothing was said by Independent MP Anthony Smith who at times seemed not to be inside the Parliament.

It all went downhill after a lunch break on Wednesday. The debate, which began on Tuesday with a rotation system allowing opposition responses after each government speaker, was expected to continue late into the night. However, when proceedings resumed, opposition benches were empty, save for St. John’s Rural West MP Richard Lewis, who had already spoken earlier that day.

It was then that government members declined to continue debating on their ministries plans for 2025. This prompted Prime Minister Gaston Browne to move for an early wrap-up of the debate. Just then, opposition members re-entered the chamber, sparking a contentious exchange as they challenged the move.

Barbuda MP Trevor Walker and Leader of the Opposition Jamale Pringle were among the most vocal critics, arguing that ending the debate prematurely was unacceptable.

Despite Prime Minister Browne eventually yielding to calls for further contributions, no MPs opted to speak. Instead, MPs Lewis and Pringle urged House Speaker Osbert Fredrick to suspend the session for 15 minutes.

After further heated exchanges, a motion to suspend the House was tabled but ultimately failed. Prime Minister Browne then moved to formally conclude the debate and proceed with other parliamentary business.