REPORT FROM THE CABINET OF ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA
MEETING OF WEDNESDAY 4th JUNE 2025
Wednesday’s Cabinet Meeting, chaired by Prime Minister the Hon. Gaston Browne, began with a solemn invocation and scripture reading delivered by the Cabinet Secretary. The prayer called for divine wisdom and guidance for Cabinet members as they undertake their responsibilities in governance and public service.
- The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda welcomes the ruling issued today by the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, which fully quashed all subpoenas initiated by Yulia Guryeva-Motlokhov—daughter of a sanctioned Russian national and former owner of the super-yacht Alfa Nero. The subpoenas, directed at Prime Minister the Hon. Gaston Browne, members of his family, senior government officials, and various private entities, have been decisively set aside by the Court.
In a comprehensive Memorandum Opinion and Order, Judge Jesse M. Furman found that the applicant had “failed to meet the statutory requirements for relief” under 28 U.S.C. § 1782. Consequently, the Court has:
- Quashed the subpoenas in their entirety;
- Vacated its prior ex parte order authorizing the subpoenas; and
- Instructed the applicant’s legal counsel to arrange for the immediate destruction of any material already obtained.
Prime Minister Browne and the Cabinet have consistently asserted that this legal action—pursued with the support of senior opposition figures—was nothing more than a politically motivated fishing expedition, aimed at undermining the integrity of the Prime Minister, his family, and senior public servants.
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda reaffirms its unwavering commitment to transparency, the rule of law, and the highest standards of public accountability. At the same time, it will continue to vigorously resist any attempt, whether domestic or foreign, to defame its officials or to pressure the nation into reversing decisions made in the sovereign interest of its people.
- As part of its ongoing land and homeownership empowerment initiative, the Cabinet has approved the acquisition of land and the construction of 100 new homes in the Belmont community. Recognizing the pressing demand for housing—as evidenced by the thousands of applications submitted to the Central Housing and Planning Authority and the National Housing Development and Urban Renewal Company Limited—the Cabinet designated the Belmont development as a high-priority project. Ministers responsible for Housing, Works, and Urban Development have been instructed to collaborate closely with the parliamentary representative for the area to expedite the implementation of the project.
- The Cabinet has authorized the Attorney General and the Ministry of Legal Affairs to draft legislation for presentation at the next sitting of Parliament, aimed at expunging the criminal records of individuals convicted for possession of small quantities of cannabis (less than 15 grams) and granting them official pardons. The proposed legislation will also apply to individuals convicted under the Public Health Amendment Act during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a view to clearing their records as well.
Additionally, the Cabinet has agreed that the Honourable Prime Minister will advise the Governor General to exercise his constitutional authority under Section 84(1) of the Constitution of Antigua and Barbuda to pardon individuals currently serving sentences at His Majesty’s Prison, who are actively engaged in the HAPPI Programme and have demonstrated genuine rehabilitation.
Cabinet emphasized that the criminal records of these individuals will be expunged, allowing them a fresh start and an opportunity to continue contributing positively to society. This action aligns with the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party government’s commitment to rehabilitation and reintegration. Upon receiving their pardons, these individuals will be immediately offered full-time employment within the HAPPI Programme. Cabinet also approved the granting of Half a Million Dollars ($500, 000) to the HAPPI Programme for the continued building and reconstruction of homes for the less fortunate.
- The Cabinet extended commendations to the Minister for Utilities of the Antigua Public Utilities Authority’s (APUA) milestone achievement in reaching a daily water production capacity of 8 million gallons, with projections to attain 9 million gallons within the coming week. This marks an unprecedented accomplishment in the history of Antigua and Barbuda, surpassing the performance of all previous administrations.
To further support APUA’s efforts in meeting national water demand, the Cabinet approved the procurement of equipment to expand the existing dams at Dunnings and Big Creek. Additionally, new ponds and dams will be constructed in farming communities throughout the country to support agricultural needs.
This initiative forms part of a broader, strategic plan to strengthen Antigua and Barbuda’s water infrastructure—ensuring a consistent and resilient water supply for both residential and agricultural sectors.
- Acknowledging that cargo transportation within the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) remains a vital yet underdeveloped pillar of regional integration and economic advancement, the Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has made a strategic policy decision to acquire a cargo aircraft. This initiative is intended to enhance the transshipment of goods between South America and OECS member states, positioning Antigua and Barbuda as a key logistics hub in the region.
While regional efforts have been made to improve cargo transport within the region, the Cabinet recognizes that substantial investment and greater coordination are necessary to build a resilient and efficient system capable of withstanding global supply chain disruptions and climate-related challenges. The introduction of a dedicated cargo plane in Antigua and Barbuda is expected to significantly strengthen trade links, improve the movement of essential goods, and contribute meaningfully to food security across the OECS and beyond.
