REPORT FROM THE CABINET OF ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA — MEETING OF WEDNESDAY, 1ST APRIL 2026
The Cabinet meeting opened with devotional prayers drawn from Psalm 35:18 and Philippians 2:11, delivered in the Moravian Christian tradition. The presiding pastor encouraged Cabinet members to embrace gratitude and public witness, drawing on the Psalmist's call to give thanks within the assembly.
Members were reminded that faith must extend beyond the personal and be reflected in service, humility, and commitment to the common good. The reflection on Philippians 2:11 underscored the belief that all authority rests ultimately under divine lordship, emphasising humility in leadership and the importance of national unity — particularly in light of the approaching election period. The devotion closed with a call for peace, fairness, and divine guidance throughout the electoral process.
1. DISSOLUTION OF PARLIAMENT
The Cabinet announced that a Proclamation dissolving Parliament has been officially published in the Gazette as a Statutory Instrument dated March 31, 2026. The Proclamation was issued by Governor General His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams, acting under Section 60(1) of the Constitution of Antigua and Barbuda and on the advice of Prime Minister Gaston Browne.
With the dissolution now in effect, all Members of the House of Representatives and the Senate have ceased to hold their seats. The country enters the general election period, and the relevant authorities will proceed with the necessary administrative and electoral preparations within the constitutionally prescribed timeframe.
Cabinet described the dissolution as a normal constitutional process marking the end of the current parliamentary term, and called on the public to ensure their voter registration is current and their voter identification cards are in order. The Government reaffirmed its commitment to a free, fair, transparent, and orderly electoral process in keeping with Antigua and Barbuda's democratic traditions.
2. LAND EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMME — MacPOND, ALL SAINTS
The Government has released 50 acres of land in the MacPond area of All Saints under its expanded Land Empowerment Programme. The lands, recently transferred to the Crown from the House Antigua project, are now available for purchase through the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHAPA).
The programme is designed to provide low- and middle-income earners — particularly first-time landowners — with access to residential plots at affordable rates, promoting social mobility and economic inclusion.
3. UTILITY ARREARS WAIVER FOR LONG-DISCONNECTED RESIDENTS
Cabinet has approved a policy waiving all arrears for residents who have been disconnected from electricity, water, or landline telephone services for more than 180 days. The measure is intended to provide financial relief to affected households and restore their access to essential services.
Residents affected by the waiver are encouraged to contact the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) to arrange reconnection. Cabinet described the initiative as part of broader efforts to ease the cost of living and ensure that essential services reach every household in the country.
4. BUILDING MATERIALS SHIPMENT AND DUTY WAIVERS
Cabinet approved the importation of a new shipment of essential building materials, expected to arrive within two weeks. The shipment will support the Government's housing assistance programme, which distributes building supplies to vulnerable households — including seniors, persons with disabilities, and families facing economic hardship — to address roof repairs, structural improvements, and the replacement of deteriorating materials.
Island-wide distributions of lumber and other building supplies have already commenced. In a further measure, Cabinet approved a waiver on all duties and taxes on building materials, including blocks and cement, up to a total value of $100,000. The Government stated that these actions are aligned with its policy objective of ensuring every citizen has access to safe, durable, and dignified housing.
5. RETROACTIVE PAY FOR PUBLIC SERVANTS AND TEACHER UPGRADES
Cabinet received an update on the disbursement of retroactive payments to public servants, as well as the status of outstanding payments related to teacher upgrades.
The Treasury Department has commenced the final disbursement of retroactive pay covering the period January 2018 to December 2023. Payments are being processed in phases via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) as final amounts are verified by Ministries and Departments. Total disbursements under Phase One have already exceeded EC$4.6 million, excluding payments still being processed for certain offices. No statutory deductions have been applied to these retroactive payments, in keeping with Cabinet's directive.
Payments are being executed on a rolling basis, with additional tranches to be released as verification is completed. Cabinet was also advised that the Treasury is actively finalising outstanding payments related to teacher upgrades.
