The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda met on Wednesday, 17th June 2026, opening proceedings with a prayer led by the Pastor of the Church of the Nazarene, who drew on Deuteronomy 17:18–20 and the sacred responsibility of leadership. Prayers were offered for divine wisdom, humility, and unity among Cabinet members, as well as for their families and the constituents they serve. Special intercession was made for God's protection over the nation during the 2026 hurricane season.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne opened the substantive session by reminding Cabinet colleagues of the mandate granted to the Government at the last General Elections. He stressed that the confidence placed in the administration by the people of Antigua and Barbuda carries an unwavering responsibility to deliver meaningful results and improve the lives of citizens.
The Prime Minister outlined key priorities for the remainder of the Government's term. These include completing no less than seventy-five percent of the nation's road network within the next four years, scaling up infrastructure and preparations for Carnival, the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, and other major national events. The Government also intends to expand and modernise street lighting, increase tree planting and environmental beautification efforts, and intensify initiatives to create cleaner communities. The programme for removing derelict and abandoned vehicles from communities will continue as part of the broader strategy to improve public spaces and promote a safer environment.
On education, Cabinet reaffirmed the Government's commitment to expanding access to higher education and building a skilled national workforce. Honouring a pledge made during the general election campaign, Cabinet agreed that free tuition will be available to students pursuing their first undergraduate degree at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus, subject to established eligibility requirements. Students pursuing postgraduate and professional degrees will continue to bear their own tuition costs, except where the Government determines that national development priorities warrant special support. Recognising the strategic importance of legal education, students enrolled in law programmes at UWI Five Islands will receive Government assistance of up to 50 percent of tuition costs.
The Government noted it has already instituted free tuition for students pursuing CSEC subjects and those attending institutions under the Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies (ABCAS).
Cabinet established a sub-committee comprising the Minister for Education, the Minister responsible for Social Transformation, and the Minister for Information Communication Technology to engage with the UWI Five Islands Campus administration. The committee is tasked with identifying programmes and partnerships aligned with the national development agenda and supporting the campus's continued expansion. Special attention will be given to technical and professional programmes, including associate and degree programmes in engineering, construction management, project management, and related disciplines. Collaboration with ABCAS — which comprises the Alister Francis Campus, the Eustace Hill Campus, the Muriel O'Marde Campus, and The Harrison Centre — will be explored to create clear educational pathways for students seeking technical qualifications.
Separately, Cabinet commenced discussions on expanding the scope of the Windfall Tax to cover all businesses operating in Antigua and Barbuda that earn annual profits of EC$1 million or more. Under the current legislative framework, the Windfall Tax applies exclusively to the telecommunications, banking, insurance, and energy sectors, imposing a ten percent levy on profits of EC$1 million or more. The proposed amendments would broaden the tax base to ensure that all highly profitable enterprises contribute equitably to national development.
The discussions were driven in part by the growing investment the Government is making in tertiary education. Cabinet considered that as access to higher education expands and as spending on facilities, programmes, and student opportunities increases, it is appropriate to explore sustainable financing mechanisms to support these initiatives. The proposed Windfall Tax expansion is being examined as one means of generating dedicated revenue for the country's educational institutions.
The matter will continue to be deliberated at subsequent Cabinet meetings, with careful consideration given to the legal, economic, and social implications of the proposed changes. When Cabinet reaches agreement, the necessary legislative proposals will be brought before Parliament for debate and consideration.
