The Minister of Energy and Transport the Hon. JoBeth Coleby-Davis said in the new budget, the Ministry will receive an increase in recurrent expenditure to $14.7 million.
The Transport Minister said during her Contribution to the 2025/2026 Budget Debate in the House of Assembly on Monday, June 16, 2025, “The increase in expenditure is primarily attributed to new funding for a Road Traffic Safety Initiative and Future Safe Drivers Programme. Additionally, funds to support the work of the Energy Division was increased from $60,000.00 to $200,000.00.”
The Minister explained that the subvention to support the mailboat service continues to account for most of the Ministry’s recurrent expenditure at over $12 million.
Also, “It is important to note that funding to support the Air Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA) is included in the Ministry’s recurrent expenditure.”
She said the Post Office Department, which includes the Postal Savings Bank receives a recurrent expenditure allocation of $11 million.
“The increase in the Post Office’s budget is largely driven by the services component, which includes funding for tuition and training; postage, postal machines, and services; security services, and building maintenance.”
The Transport Minister said the Port Department receives a recurrent expenditure allocation of $9.3 million, which is consistent with the agency’s allocation in the 2024 budget.
She noted that in the 2025 budget, the Road Traffic Department receives a recurrent expenditure of $8 million – an increase compared to $7.4 million, the Department received in 2024.
“The increase is primarily attributed to wages and salaries to ensure the proper manpower resources are in place to achieve the Department’s goals.”
The Minister said the Department of Meteorology receives a slight decline in recurrent expenditure, with $2.6 million allocated during this budget period.
“The decline in recurrent expenditure is largely attributed to a decrease in wages and salaries. However, the budget for the Department now includes dedicated funding for the Niccolo P. Small Meteorology Cadet Programme, which is now in its third year of existence.”
She explained that as it relates to capital expenditure, the Ministry receives $17.3 million, a decrease compared to the previous year.
“However, funding for energy restoration and renewable energy projects continue to account for a significant amount of capital expenditure at $8 million.”
The Transport Minister said capital funding to support the upkeep of navigational aids and lights continues at $3.6 million.
She said, “For the first time, capital funding is allocated for the redevelopment of Potter’s Cay Dock (specifically for electricity and other improvements) and the upkeep of major bus stations throughout New Providence.”
