Independent Senator Jamilla Kirwan has urged the government to prioritise maintenance of public infrastructure over new construction, warning that neglect is costly and unsustainable.

Making her maiden contribution to the 2026 Budget Debate in the Senate, she said preventative upkeep should become standard practice, rather than waiting for buildings to deteriorate.

“Maintenance should not begin when a crack appears. Maintenance should happen before it does,” she told senators.

Kirwan described the national budget as a reflection of the country’s values, drawing parallels between public finance and household management in a small island state with limited resources.

She cited the restoration of Government House—funded with more than EC$7m and due for completion in 2026—as an example of effective preservation, but raised concerns about the poor condition of several cultural and heritage facilities, including the Dean William Lake Cultural Centre, the Old Parliament Building and the National Archives.

The senator argued that repairing and upgrading existing facilities, such as improving lighting, resurfacing courts and providing covered spaces, would be more cost-effective than launching new projects. She also called for greater community involvement in maintaining public assets, supported by clear oversight.

On education, Kirwan welcomed the EC$220.1m allocation in the 2026 Budget, including free CXC exams and expanded access to tertiary education, but questioned its long-term sustainability. She suggested attracting regional students to The University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus to generate revenue.

She also supported plans to reopen the Cancer Centre in early 2026, while stressing the need for ongoing maintenance of medical facilities and equipment.

Kirwan concluded that Antigua and Barbuda’s limited resources require careful planning and consistent maintenance to safeguard national investments.