🎩 Sir Alden McLaughlin questions authenticity of UPM's budget

House Speaker Sir Alden McLaughlin has raised doubts over the authenticity of the United People's Movement's (UPM) budget, suggesting that the figures have been manipulated to meet their needs. This comes as the Cayman Islands' largest-ever spending plan, initially drafted by Wayne Panton, has seen significant changes under the current premier, Juliana O’Connor-Connolly. It was also hinted that there might be plans to spend more than the amounts reflected in the budget documents. 📈

Tourism Minister Kenneth Bryan explained that the budget reductions were directed by Panton, who had asked ministers to reduce their spending requests. However, Bryan mentioned that more funds would be made available if needed. McLaughlin expressed his concerns over the budget's reality and the potential risk of a deficit. He also questioned the feasibility of achieving the goals set out in the budget documents. O’Connor-Connolly reassured McLaughlin, stating that supplementary appropriations could be made up to 5% if necessary. She also expressed confidence in the tourism minister's ability to manage the budget effectively. 🏦

Throughout the budget debate, there have been indirect hints and ambiguous remarks suggesting that the budget Panton had been pressing for was far tighter than the one presented before parliament. The former premier, currently unable to defend himself due to health issues, has been used as a scapegoat by the new government front bench for budgeting too much or too little. 🏛️