The 2026/27 National Budget Debate kicks off on Tuesday, March 10, with Finance and the Public Service Minister Fayval Williams telling the nation details of the government’s $1.4 trillion expenditure plans.

She will also provide more details of the planned $29.4 billion tax package to fund hurricane reconstruction, including a new 2 cents/ml tax on sugar-sweetened beverages, increased levies on alcohol/cigarettes, and GCT on foreign digital services. 

Most of these taxation measures will take effect on May 1, 2026, including the higher environmental levies and reduced tourism tax breaks.  

Next up will be Opposition Spokesman on Finance, Julian Robinson, who will present his party’s critique of the budget and spending plans, whilst offering some alternative suggestions and national spending priorities on Thursday, March 12, 2026.

He will be followed by Opposition Leader Mark Golding, on Tuesday, March 17, before Prime Minister Andrew Holness speaks on Thursday, March 19, 2026. The following Tuesday, March 24, Minister Williams will close the budget debate.