REPORT FROM THE CABINET OF ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA MEETING OF WEDNESDAY, 25TH MARCH 2026

The Cabinet meeting opened with a meditation led by a pastor from the Methodist Church, drawn from Proverbs 8:8–17. Her reflection centred on the principles of wisdom, righteousness, and integrity in leadership, urging Cabinet members to ground their decisions in moral discernment and a reverence for justice. She reminded ministers that wisdom fosters fairness, strengthens institutions, and builds public trust.

The pastor also called on Cabinet members to remain transparent and accountable in all their actions, noting that such qualities uphold the dignity of governance and secure a lasting legacy — both collectively and individually. She expressed gratitude for their service and acknowledged that their efforts contribute meaningfully to the stability and development of Antigua and Barbuda.

PENSION INCREASE APPROVED

The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda, chaired by Prime Minister Gaston Browne, has approved a five percent increase in payments to pensioners. The decision follows last week's announcement of a five percent salary increase for public servants and extends the scope of that adjustment to include participants in the Government's Work Experience Programme as well as contract workers.

Cabinet recognised that pensioners, many of whom rely on fixed incomes, are particularly vulnerable to rising living costs. The increase takes effect at the end of April and is intended to ensure that pensioners are not left behind as the Government implements broader economic adjustments.

AIRFARE SUBSIDY FOR ANTIGUA–BARBUDA ROUTE UNDER CONSIDERATION

Cabinet has acknowledged the urgent need to address the high cost of air travel between Antigua and Barbuda, following a presentation by newly appointed Caretaker for Barbuda on behalf of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party, Mr. Kendra Beazer.

Mr. Beazer's presentation highlighted the growing financial burden faced by residents and travellers due to significant fare increases on the route, compounded by limited transportation alternatives. Cabinet agreed the matter requires immediate intervention, recognising that affordable inter-island travel is essential for economic activity, access to healthcare, and the overall well-being of Barbudans.

Cabinet has given an undertaking to approve a subsidy aimed at reducing airfare costs between the two islands. Mr. Beazer has been directed to prepare and submit a detailed proposal outlining the structure and implementation of the subsidy. The submission will be reviewed at Cabinet's next sitting, where a final determination will be made.

RETROACTIVE SALARY PAYMENTS UPDATE

Cabinet received and approved a comprehensive update from the Treasury Department on the status of retroactive salary payments owed to public servants for the period 2018 to 2023. As of January 2026, a total of EC$28,716,480.85 has been disbursed to eligible public servants.

The Treasury's payment framework is based on employment status. Eligible recipients include individuals employed by the Government on or before December 31, 2023, as well as certain categories of separated employees and contract officers where eligibility is explicitly stated.

The Treasury identified several challenges impacting the pace of disbursement and has implemented measures to improve efficiency and communication, including the establishment of Help Desk services. Public servants are encouraged to ensure their records are accurate and up to date to facilitate timely payments.

The Government has set a target to complete all outstanding retroactive payments by the end of March 2026. Cabinet reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that all eligible public servants receive their due payments in a fair and timely manner.

TREASURY RESTRUCTURING INITIATIVE APPROVED

Cabinet has also approved a presentation by the Treasury Department outlining a restructuring strategy aimed at strengthening financial management, oversight, and accountability across Government ministries.

The initiative involves the deployment of Accounting Officers to key ministries under a pilot programme scheduled to commence in the second quarter of 2026. The pilot phase will include placements at the Ministry of Public Works, the Ministry of Creative Industries, and the Ministry of National Security — selected on the basis of expenditure levels, infrastructure programmes, and the need for enhanced financial controls.

Deployed Accounting Officers will be responsible for monitoring ministry expenditure, reviewing and certifying payment vouchers, preparing monthly expenditure reports for the Accountant General, advising on Financial Administration Act and Treasury compliance, and strengthening internal financial management systems.

The restructuring is expected to improve budget adherence, ensure more timely and accurate financial reporting, reduce accounts payable backlogs, and embed stronger accounting support within major spending ministries. Cabinet welcomed the initiative.