REPORT FROM THE CABINET OF ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA
MEETING OF WEDNESDAY 10th JULY 2025
Wednesday’s Cabinet Meeting was chaired by Prime Minister the Honourable Gaston Browne. The Prayers before Cabinet was led by a Pentecostal Pastor who read from Psalm 27: 1-7 which highlights a bold declaration by David of trust in God calling him his Light, Salvation and Stronghold. The Pastor advised the Cabinet that when God is their light, salvation and stronghold they should have no fear of others or circumstances; they can trust that evil will not triumph and they can remain confident in the face of overwhelming odds.
- Cabinet received a detailed report from Prime Minister the Hon. Gaston Browne on the participation of the Antigua and Barbuda delegation, which included the Minister for Foreign Affairs the Hon. E.P. Chet Greene, in the 49th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM, held in Montego Bay, Jamaica.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the advancement of the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME) remains a work in progress. During the discussions, the Antigua and Barbuda delegation strongly advocated for More Developed Countries (MDCs) within CARICOM to fulfill their financial obligations to the Caribbean Development Fund (CDF). He further underscored the disparities faced by OECS Member States within the regional integration framework and urged that OECS countries benefit more equitably from CARICOM’s integration process and the provisions of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas.
One critical issue raised by the Prime Minister was the long-outstanding CLICO/BAICO matter. He proposed a formal meeting between the OECS and the Government of Trinidad and Tobago to revisit commitments made under the previous Kamla Persad-Bissessar administration, aimed at compensating affected investors. Cabinet agreed to the formation of a special delegation that will travel to Trinidad and Tobago to present proposals to the new administration, in an effort to resolve the matter.
Food security also featured prominently on the meeting’s agenda. The Prime Minister reported that regional leaders gave strong attention to the need for capacity-building initiatives, including a proposal for OECS countries to invest in inter-island ferry systems for the movement of goods and people across the sub-region.
In response, Cabinet reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening local agriculture and called on farmers to increase production levels. The government will continue to provide technical and financial support to farms, including those operated by the Rastafarian community. Cabinet also agreed to assist the Ras Freeman and One Love Tribe communities with the formation of Trusts, enabling the government to formally lease lands they have occupied for decades.
Prime Minister Browne also expressed great pride in the successful direct LIAT 2020 flight from Antigua to Montego Bay, calling it a moment of national pride and vindication of the government’s efforts to revitalize the airline. He stated that witnessing LIAT’s operations in Montego Bay underscored the value of perseverance and affirmed that the decision to restore LIAT was indeed the right one.
The Caribbean Development Fund (CDF) is a regional development financing institution established by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to support less developed countries, regions, and sectors within the Community, particularly in adjusting to the challenges and opportunities of deeper regional integration—especially through the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).
- The Cabinet extended its commendation to the Honourable Minister for Foreign Affairs for the successful hosting of the 55th General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS) and the historic adoption of a landmark resolution on Mental Health. Cabinet members noted that the event further solidified Antigua and Barbuda’s reputation as the premier destination for high-level conventions and international conferences in the region.
The Honourable Attorney General was also praised for the successful convening of the Caribbean Law Enforcement Leaders Symposium, held recently in St. John’s. The event was organized in collaboration with the American Registry for Internet Numbers (ARIN) and the Caribbean Agency for Justice Solutions, and brought together top law enforcement officials from across the Caribbean.
In his report to Cabinet, the Attorney General highlighted the key outcomes of the symposium, which included consensus on:
- Enhancing intelligence-led policing
- Advancing regional intelligence sharing
- Modernizing digital forensics and technology infrastructure
- Strengthening maritime and border security
Cabinet was also informed that Antigua and Barbuda will host the Ceremony to Mark the Change in Chairmanship of the Monetary Council of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) next week. The event will take place on Thursday, July 17th, at 6:00 p.m. at the Conference Centre of the American University of Antigua. During the ceremony, Prime Minister the Hon. Gaston Browne will officially assume the Chairmanship of the ECCB Monetary Council.
- The Cabinet was informed by the Honourable Attorney General that a sitting of Parliament will be convened within the next two weeks, ahead of the commencement of the Carnival festivities. The upcoming session will address several significant matters, including the following:
a. A resolution to expunge the criminal records of individuals convicted for the possession of small quantities of cannabis (under 15 grams), and to grant official pardons to those affected.
b. A resolution aimed at clearing the records of individuals convicted under the Public Health Amendment Act during the COVID-19 pandemic, as part of a broader effort to promote fairness and restorative justice.
A debate on the government’s decision to support the Social Security Scheme’s investment in the redevelopment of the Jolly Beach Resort, with a formal resolution expected to affirm the administration’s commitment to economic revitalization and pension sustainability.
- The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda received a detailed report from the Honourable Minister for Health, Sir Molwyn Joseph, on the successful execution of the recent 4-Day Health Fair held at the Multi-Purpose Cultural and Exhibition Centre. The event was hosted in collaboration with United Hands Inc. and the Seventh-day Adventist Church, in partnership with the Ministry of Health.
According to the report, the Fair provided essential healthcare services to 1,139 individuals over the four-day period, including comprehensive dental assessments for more than 559 children. The range of services offered—spanning dental, medical, and eye examinations—resulted in cost savings to the government estimated at approximately EC $2.5 million.
In light of the significant impact of the dental services provided, Cabinet approved the immediate procurement and outfitting of a mobile dental unit, specifically designed to provide teeth cleaning and preventative care for school-aged children between 5 and 14 years old. This initiative is scheduled to be operational by the start of the new academic year.
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda once again extends its sincere appreciation to United Hands Inc., the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and all civil society partners involved in the Health Fair. The administration reaffirms its ongoing commitment to expanding access to affordable, preventive, and community-based healthcare services across the nation.
- The Cabinet was informed that the Ministry of Health, Wellness, the Environment, and Civil Service Affairs, in collaboration with the Ecclesiastical Commission, will host a Dedication Service to officially open the Tranquility Park Cemetery. The event is scheduled for Thursday, 17th July at 4:00 p.m. along the Sir Sidney Walling Highway.
