CABINET NOTES OF Wednesday 27 November 2024
The Cabinet commenced its weekly meeting by reviewing issues immediate to the infrastructural and economic development of the country.
1. The Cabinet notes the increased presence of the Ministry of Works undertaking civil works within various zones across the island. Additional labourers and specialists are being trained and deployed to meet the growing demands to address infrastructural concerns. The Ministry has already invested in the procurement of modern vehicles and equipment that will enhance its ability to be more responsive to the needs of residents.
2. The Cabinet was updated that the Minister for the Antigua Public Utilities Authority has traveled to the Republic of Cuba to meeting with his counterpart and experts in the area of water management. The expectation is that support will be provided that will augment the capacity of the local authority in respect of general water production, storage and management.
3. i. The Cabinet welcomed the Hon. Minister of State, Senator Michael Joseph to give updates on activities within the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment. The newly appointed Minister of State reported that he has been settling into his new role while immersing himself fully in the business of the Ministry.
ii. Senator Joseph informed the Cabinet that work on the Liberta Clinic is complete and the facility is scheduled to be opened on 3rd December, 2024. He also informed that while work on the Boys Training School is complete they are awaiting the delivery of new furniture and minor administrative arrangements in order to officially reopen within a couple of weeks.
iii. The Minister of State further reported that he has held fruitful discussions with the Director of the Department of the Environment to review some of the major projects that the department is managing with a view to streamline the processes and ensure that benchmarks are achieved and value is delivered for both donors and beneficiaries.
4. The Cabinet noted that the HAPPI has been one of the most impactful social programmes developed to provide assistance in the refurbishment of dilapidated and virtually derelict homes occupied by some of the most vulnerable within our society. The programme has directly impacted scores of families and countless others by extension. The Cabinet is proposing to expand the programme to more adequately meet the needs of vulnerable communities and the necessary resources will be provided through the upcoming budget.
5. i. The Cabinet proposed that a new facility be introduced for the new financial year. A grant of up to $10,000 will be available for suitably qualified applicants. Applicants will be required to provide detailed business plans and once approved could qualify for the grant which will be in the areas of hospitality and agricultural development.
ii. The Cabinet expressed disappointment that, despite, a number of products and investment opportunities have been proposed to the public no serious interests have been received. The Cabinet remarked that these opportunities were earmarked for local investors with all attendant concessions.
The concern about the unwillingness to take up these investment opportunities may be a manifestation of a highly investment risk averse culture. Several initiatives has been proposed over the last 10 years, the most notable being the Fort James development plan (developed, circulated and presented at a public meeting at the Multipurpose Centre), the Willoughby Bay development project, the Shell Beach development and the Morris Bay resort development. An investment symposium is being proposed to bring stakeholders and potential investors together in a forum to discuss investment in Antigua and Barbuda.
6. The Cabinet noted that the Hon. Anthony Smith, Minister for Agriculture is leading a delegation to the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to negotiate the acquisition of twenty five acres of land for agricultural development by the government of Antigua and Barbuda as a part of the country’s food security programme.
7. The Cabinet welcomed members of Antigua and Barbuda Drag Racing Association (ABDRA) to discuss proposals by the Associations for the development of the race track. The body outlined plans to improve the safety and security of the track and environs to meet international standards and achieve international certification of the facility in hopes to attract more international races. The intention is to grow the sport and provide a platform for safe racing while building a global product. Cabinet agreed to support the work of the Association and provide financial and other resources to assist with the upgrades to the facility and the sport in general with the understanding that they will have to account for all funds or resources provided and ensure that they maintain the highest level of transparency when provided with government assistance.
