Prognosticating… 2026

As we look towards the new year (not “capitalised” New Year! – THAT, we know, is gonna be a mega blast!!) We can expect a budget presentation since the VP said it’s gonna be an early one!! As your Eyewitness’ been stressing over the years, budgets are basically the Government’s income and expenditure for the given year. But budgets aren’t just about spending money for spending’s sake… The money’s supposed to be spent for a purpose. The said purpose being outlined in the party’s manifesto that was put out just before the general elections to solemnise what the party promises to do OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS!! We can see it like a contract we put our signature to when we placed that “X” on the ballot paper and dropped it into that box!!
So what’s the question on most folks’ minds when they think about the 2026 budget?? After being disappointed over what they presumed was gonna be a Christmas bonus, your Eyewitness figures they’re gonna expect a new cash grant for sure!! And whether we like it or not, with the Govt stressing we’re the fastest-growing economy in the world, the average citizen pretty much figures his income should be growing in line with that!! Fast!! So here we are at the start of Pressie’s second term, and shouldn’t we find out what they promised as far as income for citizens?
The Government might lower the tax threshold from the present $130,000 monthly – meaning that everything below this amount won’t be taken out from your pay cheque!! But the reality is even if the Govt raises that to $200,000, folks don’t really appreciate they’re getting more money!! The same with lowering taxes overall!! They only feel better if their SALARY is raised – never mind that more is taken out in taxes!! Have you ever heard anyone boasting that their “take-home pay” has been increased?? No Siree Bob!! It’s all about how big – or small – their salary is.
But since we are in a private sector economy, there’s not much the Government can do about the salaries there. And for the Government workers, no matter what annual increase they get, it ain’t ever gonna be enough to “fill their eye”!! Even when the budget confirms the Wales Gas to Shore 300 MW generating plan will kick in next year to decrease light bills by 50 per cent – or that 8000 homes are gonna be built – that won’t cut it. So what’s the Government to do??
It’ll come down to general cash grants, increased schoolchildren “Because We Care” cash grants and a new transportation cash grant, disability grants, increased pensions and new transportation grants, etc.
The operative term is “cash grant”!!

…a thoughtful New Year’s Eve
Now that your Eyewitness is getting on in years, he’s noticed he’s become a tad more thoughtful. Today, as he contemplated another New Year’s Eve, this poem, “On Ageing” by Maya Angelou, came to mind: “When you see me sitting quietly,/ Like a sack left on the shelf,/ Don’t think I need your chattering./ I’m listening to myself.
Hold! Stop! Don’t pity me!/ Hold! Stop your sympathy! Understanding if you got it, / Otherwise I’ll do without it! / When my bones are stiff and aching, and my feet won’t climb the stair, / I will only ask one favour: don’t bring me no rocking chair. / When you see me walking, stumbling, / Don’t study and get it wrong. / ‘Cause tired don’t mean lazy / And every goodbye ain’t gone.
I’m the same person I was back then,/A little less hair, a little less chin,/A lot less lungs and much less wind. But ain’t I lucky I can still breathe in?”
Yep…it’s your same, ole (and humble) Eyewitness!!

 …big power politics
Frenemies US and China are at it again!! While Exxon and CNOOC cooperate to get 86 per cent of our oil revenues – China’s holding military drills around Taiwan simulating the seizure and blockade of the island’s key areas, following an US$88B weapons deal!