The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda convened on Wednesday, 24th June 2026, opening its session with a spiritual meditation delivered by a pastor of the Church of God of Prophecy. Drawing from Psalm 145:3, the pastor reflected on the theme "Great is God and Greatly to be Praised," reminding Cabinet members that all authority ultimately comes from God and that nations prosper when their leaders govern with humility and seek divine guidance. He urged Cabinet members to ensure their decisions are guided by integrity, justice, compassion, and a commitment to the common good. The meditation concluded with prayers for wisdom, courage, unity of purpose, and continued blessings upon Antigua and Barbuda.
Prime Minister the Honourable Gaston Browne updated Cabinet on the outcomes of the recently concluded Meeting of the OECS Authority, which Antigua and Barbuda hosted and chaired. Heads of Government engaged in substantive discussions on trade, regional transportation, Citizenship by Investment Programmes, and institutional reform within the OECS.
OECS leaders agreed to pursue measures aimed at reducing the cost of living across the sub-region, including exploring increased trade with South America, Panama, and the Dominican Republic. The OECS Commission has been tasked with identifying products that could benefit from a temporary suspension of the CARICOM Common External Tariff (CET), allowing member states to import selected goods at more competitive prices.
On Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programmes, Heads of Government expressed concern over proposals by the European Union that could impact visa-free access for OECS citizens. The Authority agreed to intensify engagement with European officials to safeguard the interests of member states while maintaining the integrity and sustainability of their respective CBI programmes.
Leaders also continued discussions on improving air connectivity within the OECS, with the initiative aimed at lowering travel costs, improving mobility among member states, and strengthening economic and social integration. Discussions were additionally held on the right-sizing and modernization of OECS institutions to ensure the organisation remains efficient, responsive, and financially sustainable. Cabinet welcomed the outcomes of the meeting and commended Prime Minister Browne on his leadership as Chairman of the OECS Authority.
The Cabinet has approved an increase in the Passenger Head Tax on international travellers entering and departing Antigua and Barbuda. The tax will rise from US$40 to US$50 per passenger as part of the Government's efforts to ensure sustainable financing of critical regional institutions.
The additional revenue will be earmarked to assist in meeting the country's financial obligations to the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority (ECCAA) and the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC) — institutions that play indispensable roles in maintaining aviation safety and administering justice across the Eastern Caribbean. Travel within the CARICOM region will remain exempt from the increase, in keeping with the Government's commitment to promoting regional movement and advancing Caribbean integration.
The increase will take effect following the completion of the necessary legislative and administrative processes, with details to be announced in due course.
The Cabinet has also approved the engagement of Smith Warner International Limited (SWI) to undertake a comprehensive Baseline Coastal Assessment and Preliminary Engineering Design for Fort James Beach. The approval represents a significant step in the Government's vision to transform the area into the Fort James Renaissance Park.
The decision follows the Government's recent announcement of a EC$5 million investment toward the redevelopment of Fort James, aimed at restoring one of Antigua and Barbuda's most historic and iconic coastal areas while creating a world-class recreational, tourism, and cultural destination. Cabinet was advised that Fort James Beach has experienced varying degrees of coastal erosion over several years, making sound scientific analysis and engineering expertise essential to any redevelopment effort.
The assessment will provide the Government with critical information regarding shoreline stability, erosion patterns, sediment movement, wave and current conditions, climate resilience, and the long-term sustainability of proposed interventions.
