Economic Min. Defends Travel Budget Increase

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Amid criticism the Davis administration has again increased its travel budget, Economic Affairs Minister Michael Halkitis is seeking to clarify saying the travel budget includes more than just minister’s travel.

The 2022/2023 supplementary budget draft estimates of revenue and expenditure reveal government revenue shot up by over $4 million, going from $14.8 million to $18.8 million.

Halkitis says at some point a breakdown of the trips will come.

The increase comes just six months after the government increased it travel budget by $4.1 million.

In 2022 the prime minister traveled to Kigali, Rwanda; Suriname; Los Angeles, California; and a trip to Cuba last December.

Then there was the controversial trip to Bermuda which included government and Progressive Liberal Party officials. 

But as the economic affairs minister explains, politicians’ travel in his view are warranted.

The Free National Movement has been critical of the government’s extensive travel and the budget increase.