In a robust defence of her overseas travel bill, Prime Minister Mia Mottley countered opposition criticism by highlighting the substantial financial benefits her trips have secured for Barbados, including over $146 million in grants.Addressing Parliament, Mottley detailed her travel costs and outcomes, arguing that these journeys were crucial for securing tangible benefits for the nation.Mottley dismissed claims that her trips were extravagant or unnecessary, rebutting heavy criticism from Opposition Leader Ralph Thorne during his 10-hour-long Budget Reply delivered over Tuesday and Wednesday.She declared: “I don’t travel for holiday, I travel in the name of the people of this country to be able to secure benefits. I challenge anyone to dispute our record.”To reinforce her point, the prime minister detailed her travel spending since taking office in 2018, shuffling documents and displaying them to the House.“For the entire year [2025], my travel has come to $19 660.95. In seven years, the total amount comes to just about $1.457 million across 93 trips, with an average of $15 000 per trip. I don’t travel first class,” the PM said.Mottley emphasised that these trips have led to significant financial gains for Barbados.“What are the benefits in terms of grants that this government has gotten as a result of that travel? $146 887 000 in grant money. Not loans. Mr Speaker, you know what grant money is? It’s free.”
