Notes from the Cabinet

REPORT FROM THE CABINET OF ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA MEETING OF WEDNESDAY 7th OCTOBER 2026

Rev. Christopher Roberts of the Anglican Church led the meditation at Wednesday’s meeting of the Cabinet, grounding his reflection in Matthew 21:23-27, which recounts the questioning of Jesus’ authority by the chief priests and elders.

Pastor Roberts drew attention to the response of those who challenged Jesus. When confronted with a question concerning the baptism of John-whether it came from heaven or from human origin-they reasoned among themselves, weighing the consequences of either answer. Rather than declare what they knew or believed to be true, they eventually responded, We do not know.

The Pastor described this response as a form of expedient ignorance-choosing not to acknowledge the truth because doing so may be inconvenient, uncomfortable or carry consequences.

He reminded Cabinet that those entrusted with leadership will regularly face difficult questions and circumstances in which the easiest or most politically convenient response may not necessarily be the right one. Leadership, he said, requires the courage to stand always on the truth, even when doing so is difficult.

Pastor Roberts encouraged members of Cabinet not to allow expediency to become a substitute for principle. Decisions affecting the lives and welfare of the people must be approached with honesty, integrity and a sincere desire to do what is right.

He reminded Ministers that they have been chosen for the task of helping the people of Antigua and Barbuda. Their positions therefore represent not merely authority, but responsibility and service. Each decision taken should contribute to improving the lives of the people and strengthening the nation.

Using the imagery of construction, Pastor Roberts urged Cabinet to build block by block National development, he reflected, is achieved through steady and deliberate work-one decision, one programme and one act of service at a time. Every block must be properly placed if the structure being built is to remain strong.

He therefore encouraged Ministers, as they undertake the work entrusted to them, to continually ask God for guidance. Human knowledge and experience are important, he said, but those carrying the weight of national leadership should also seek divine direction so that their decisions are informed by wisdom, discernment and truth.

In his closing prayer, Pastor Roberts asked God to enlighten the Cabinet, granting Prime Minister the Honourable Gaston Browne and his Ministers the wisdom necessary to discharge their responsibilities faithfully. He prayed that God would guide their deliberations, sharpen their understanding and give them the courage to make decisions that serve the best interests of the people.

He prayed that, with God's guidance, Cabinet would continue to build Antigua and Barbuda block by block, standing firmly upon truth and remaining conscious that they have been called to the important task of serving and uplifting the people of the nation.

1. Cabinet Reaffirms Commitment to Increased Margins for Service Station Dealers; Calls for Continued Dialogue

   The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda on Wednesday discussed the concerns raised by service station dealers regarding their request for an increase in the profit margin received on the sale of petroleum products.

   Cabinet noted that several service station dealers closed their businesses on Wednesday under the guise of attending a meeting. The Cabinet considers the action unfortunate, particularly given the essential nature of the service provided to the public and the Government's ongoing engagement with the dealers on their concerns.

   The Cabinet reaffirmed that the Government accepts that service station dealers are deserving of an increase in their profit margin and remains committed to granting an adjustment. However, Cabinet determined that the present period of instability and rising prices on the international petroleum market does not provide the most appropriate environment in which to implement the increase.

   The Government anticipates that there could be some easing of petroleum prices towards the end of the year and believes that this would provide a more appropriate opportunity to implement an adjustment without placing an undue additional burden on consumers.

   Cabinet has therefore instructed the Financial Secretary to expedite a meeting with representatives of the service station dealers to continue discussions on the matter and to establish a clear path towards implementation of the proposed increase before the end of the year.

   The Cabinet emphasised that the Government's position should not be interpreted as a rejection of the dealers' request.

   The Government has already accepted the principle that the service station dealers deserve an increase in their margin. The issue is one of timing. At a time when international fuel prices are unstable and rising, the Government must carefully balance the legitimate interests of the dealers with its responsibility to protect consumers from additional increases at the pump, Cabinet stated.

   Cabinet expressed the expectation that the service station dealers will continue to engage the Government constructively as both sides work towards a mutually acceptable outcome.

   During its deliberations, Cabinet also expressed concern about the level of concentration within the service station market and the potential consequences for consumers when a significant number of stations cease operations simultaneously.

   In response, Cabinet advised the West Indies Oil Company Limited (WIOC) to pursue the establishment of three additional service stations at strategic locations across the country. The proposed expansion is intended to increase access to fuel, strengthen the resilience of the national fuel-distribution network and ensure that consumers have adequate alternatives throughout Antigua and Barbuda.

   Cabinet reiterated that reliable access to fuel is essential to the functioning of the economy and the daily lives of citizens and residents. Any expansion of the service station network should therefore be guided by the need for adequate geographic coverage, competition and continuity of supply.

   The Government remains committed to constructive engagement with the service station dealers and to honouring its commitment to an adjustment in their profit margins at an appropriate time before the end of 2026.

   Cabinet is confident that through continued dialogue, the interests of dealers and consumers can be appropriately balanced while ensuring stability in the country's fuel market.

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2. Agriculture Minister Updates Cabinet on Major Dam and Pond Development Programme to Strengthen Food Security

   The Minister responsible for Agriculture provided Cabinet on Wednesday with an update on the Ministry's continuing programme to construct and rehabilitate dams and ponds across Antigua, as the Government intensifies efforts to provide farmers with greater access to water and increase domestic food production.

   The Minister reported that work is advancing on the construction of dams intended to serve active farming communities, with particular emphasis being placed on ensuring that water infrastructure is developed in areas where it can directly support agricultural production.

   Cabinet was informed that work has commenced on a major dam in the Bethesda area, on lands being utilised by farmers. The Minister indicated that the new dam is expected to have a storage capacity of approximately one million gallons of water, providing an important source of water for agricultural activity in the area.

   The Minister explained that the Bethesda project forms part of a wider effort to expand the number and capacity of agricultural water-storage facilities available to farmers.

   Cabinet was advised that the Ministry is moving aggressively to make additional resources available for the construction and development of dams to support active farmers, while at the same time strengthening the Ministry's own agricultural production programme.

   The Minister expressed confidence that, with sustained investment in water infrastructure, land preparation and other forms of support to farmers, Antigua and Barbuda can significantly increase the quantity of food produced locally.

   Cabinet reiterated that reliable access to water remains one of the most important requirements for expanding agricultural production, particularly given the country's vulnerability to prolonged dry periods. The programme of dams and ponds is therefore being pursued as a critical component of the Government's wider food-security strategy.

   The Minister also reported that additional equipment and trained operators will be required as the programme expands. Cabinet was informed that there is presently a limited number of experienced persons available to operate some of the heavy machinery required for agricultural works, and that additional persons will have to be trained.

   Cabinet encouraged the Ministry to pursue the necessary training so that the Government's investment in agricultural machinery can be fully utilised and works can be undertaken simultaneously in different farming districts.

   The Cabinet reaffirmed its instruction to the Ministry of Agriculture to accelerate the construction and rehabilitation of dams and ponds throughout the farming communities, ensuring that the available resources are directed towards productive farmers and areas with the greatest potential to increase domestic food production.

   The Government will therefore continue to invest in the infrastructure necessary to empower farmers, expand agricultural production and advance the country's goal of greater food and nutrition security.

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3. Cabinet Approves Increase in People's Benefit Programme from EC$215 to EC$300 Monthly

   The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has approved an increase in the monthly benefit paid under the People's Benefit Programme (PBP) operated by PDV Caribe Antigua and Barbuda Ltd. (PDVCAB), bringing the monthly assistance from EC$215 to EC$300 per beneficiary.

   The increase of EC$85 per month, representing almost a 40 percent adjustment, is intended to provide greater assistance to vulnerable beneficiaries who have received the same monthly benefit for approximately 20 years, despite substantial increases in the cost of living.

   There are currently 1,495 registered beneficiaries under the People's Benefit Programme. The increase will result in an additional expenditure of approximately EC$127,075 per month, or EC$1.525 million annually, increasing total annual PBP expenditure from approximately EC$3.857 million to EC$5.382 million.

   The Cabinet welcomed the increase as an important social-protection measure and noted that it reflects the Government's continuing commitment to ensuring that vulnerable citizens are not left behind as the cost of essential goods and services rises.

   Cabinet further approved a Vagrant Care Initiative aimed at improving the health, hygiene and dignity of vulnerable and homeless persons in and around St. John's.

   A donor has already committed to providing a portable shower unit. PDVCAB will collaborate with the Soup Kitchen and the Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross to facilitate access to showers and clothing, while providing logistical assistance and hygiene supplies.

   The estimated cost to PDVCAB is approximately EC$2,500 to EC$3,500 per month, or EC$30,000 to EC$42,000 annually.

   Cabinet also approved the transfer of an identified parcel of Crown Land, located east of the St. John's Fire Station on Factory Road, to PDVCAB for the development of a modern, purpose-built headquarters.

   PDVCAB has operated from rented premises for the past 21 years. The Company also incurs additional rental costs for space used at the Multipurpose Centre for the distribution of utility booklets.

   The proposed headquarters will provide improved facilities for public service delivery, training, disaster-response collaboration and income-generating activities. It will also include provision for a permanent home of refuge for vulnerable persons.

   The transfer of the Crown Land is expected to strengthen PDVCAB's institutional position by providing the Company with a tangible fixed asset estimated at up to EC$5 million, while eliminating its current accommodation expenditure.

   The Cabinet welcomed the proposals, particularly the increase in the People's Benefit Programme, as a tangible demonstration of the Government's commitment to social protection, dignity and improved quality of life for vulnerable citizens, while strengthening PDVCAB as an institution capable of delivering sustainable public-benefit programmes.

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4. Cabinet Advances Plans for Handover and Occupancy of Pelican Court; Prime Minister Outlines Housing Allocation and Management Arrangements

   Prime Minister the Right Honourable Gaston Browne on Wednesday updated Cabinet on preparations for the formal handover and occupancy of Pelican Court, the new 150-unit condominium-style housing development replacing the former Booby Alley community in Point.

   The development, financed through an approximately EC$50 million grant from the Government of the People's Republic of China, represents a major investment in urban renewal and social housing. It replaces ageing and substandard wooden structures with modern, climate-resilient accommodation intended to improve living conditions for more than 300 former residents.

   Cabinet was advised that occupancy is being targeted for January 2027, allowing time to finalise legal, administrative, landscaping, infrastructure and property-management arrangements following the formal handover of the development.

   Prime Minister Browne informed Cabinet that he intends to meet with former property owners as the Government finalises arrangements for the allocation of units.

   He emphasised that the process must be fair, transparent and guided by the assessed value of former properties, previous occupancy and the individual circumstances of property owners.

   Former homeowners who occupied their properties will receive priority consideration for replacement accommodation. Where the assessed value of a former property is less than that of a new condominium unit, the difference could be financed through an appropriate mortgage arrangement.

   The Prime Minister also proposed that persons who owned small properties in the former community but did not reside there could receive cash compensation or purchase a condominium unit by paying the difference between the assessed value of their former property and the price of the new accommodation.

   Cabinet acknowledged that owners of larger properties may require individual consideration to ensure equitable treatment.

   The National Housing Development and Urban Renewal Company will be asked to undertake further assessments to establish appropriate selling prices. Indicative prices ranging from EC$150,000 to EC$175,000 per unit were discussed, although no final determination has been made.

   The Prime Minister stressed that Pelican Court is a social housing initiative and that financing arrangements must reflect the Government's commitment to making homeownership accessible to persons of modest means.

   Cabinet also discussed the challenges prospective homeowners face in securing mortgages and agreed that appropriate financing options should be examined in consultation with housing, financial and legal authorities.

   Cabinet considered arrangements for former Booby Alley residents who previously occupied rental accommodation. Eligible tenants could be accommodated in Government-owned units under structured rental agreements.

   The Prime Minister emphasised the need for an effective system of rental collection and property maintenance to ensure that the development remains financially sustainable without requiring indefinite additional Government subsidies.

   Cabinet discussed assigning responsibility for rental administration and property management to National Housing or another appropriately structured entity. Rental income would contribute to maintaining the development and could assist in supporting future housing initiatives.

   The Government is also considering dedicated property managers, an administrative office and appropriate security arrangements.

   Clear rules will govern occupancy, maintenance, waste disposal, parking and the use of common areas. Residents will be informed of their responsibilities before taking possession of their units.

   The Prime Minister stressed that the significant public investment must be protected. Serious breaches of tenancy agreements, including involvement in illegal activities, could result in enforcement action in accordance with applicable laws.

   Cabinet was advised that additional water-storage capacity is being considered to provide an adequate reserve supply for the 150 households during interruptions to the public water system.

   Landscaping and beautification works are also being advanced, with the Prime Minister calling for additional greenery to improve the appearance and environment of the development.

   Measures to prevent vehicles from damaging pedestrian walkways, including strategically placed planters, are also under consideration.

   The Government is further examining arrangements to assist qualifying residents in obtaining essential furniture and household items through possible credit facilities with manageable repayment terms.

   The discussions also addressed the institutional arrangements required to manage Government housing developments and advance the wider redevelopment of St. John's.

   Prime Minister Browne called for improved coordination among agencies responsible for housing, property management and urban renewal.

   Cabinet examined the role and operational capacity of the St. John's Development Corporation, including whether its responsibilities should be expanded to support a more comprehensive programme of urban revitalisation or whether alternative management arrangements would be more effective.

   The relevant Ministers and officials will examine these proposals and submit recommendations for Cabinet's consideration.

   Cabinet welcomed the progress towards the completion and occupancy of Pelican Court, recognising the development as a transformational investment in the lives of families who previously occupied inadequate housing.

   Prime Minister Browne emphasised that the project must represent more than the construction of new homes. It must establish a safe, orderly and sustainable community where residents enjoy improved living conditions while accepting responsibility for maintaining their surroundings.

   The Government intends to use the experience gained from Pelican Court to guide future social housing and urban renewal projects throughout Antigua and Barbuda.

   Consultations will continue with former residents, National Housing and the relevant legal and Government authorities as the final allocation, financing and management arrangements are completed.

   The Government remains committed to its January 2027 occupancy target, marking an important milestone in its programme to provide safe, dignified and climate-resilient housing for the people of Antigua and Barbuda.

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5. Cabinet Examines Opportunities to Ensure Local Content Creators Benefit from Digital Economy

   The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda on Wednesday discussed the growing importance of the digital content creation industry and the need to ensure that Antiguan and Barbudan content creators are able to benefit financially from the material they produce and distribute through digital platforms.

   During the discussions, Cabinet noted concerns that content creators within Antigua and Barbuda and this part of the world have not been able to access the same economic opportunities available to creators in some other markets.

   The Honourable Melford Nicholas advised Cabinet that consideration could be given to establishing an arrangement through which an appropriate entity could serve as an aggregator for locally produced digital content, creating a mechanism through which revenues could be collected and distributed to eligible content creators.

   Cabinet recognised that the digital economy has created new opportunities for persons involved in video production, music, entertainment, education, commentary and other forms of online creative content. It is therefore important that Antiguans and Barbudans are positioned not only to participate in the digital marketplace but also to derive economic benefits from their creativity.

   Minister Nicholas will examine the feasibility of the proposal and provide further guidance to Cabinet on possible mechanisms that could allow local content creators to access and benefit more fully from the international digital content market.

   Cabinet made clear that the matter remains under consideration and that no final structure has yet been approved. The objective at this stage is to determine whether a workable mechanism can be established that expands economic opportunities for local creators and allows them to receive appropriate returns from the content they produce.

   The initiative forms part of the Government's wider interest in developing Antigua and Barbuda's creative and digital economy and creating new avenues through which citizens, particularly young people, can transform their talent, innovation and creativity into sustainable economic opportunities.

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6. Cabinet Reports Final Preparations at Performing Arts Centre, Establishes Ministerial Team to Drive St. John's Redevelopment

   The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda on Wednesday received an update from the Honourable Rawdon Turner on the final preparations for the opening of the new Performing Arts Centre in St. John's, while also establishing a three-member ministerial team to oversee the Government's wider programme for the redevelopment and revitalisation of the capital.

   Minister Turner reported that testing of the multimedia and technical equipment has commenced at the completed Performing Arts Centre, as preparations enter their final phase ahead of its official opening.

   Workers are presently carrying out a comprehensive deep cleaning of the facility and completing minor finishing works. The Government expects the official opening of the Performing Arts Centre on 23rd October 2026.

   The new facility, which has been created through the extensive refurbishment and transformation of the former Deluxe Cinema building, will accommodate approximately 850 persons and provide Antigua and Barbuda with a modern venue for the performing arts, cultural productions, conferences and other major national and international events.

   Cabinet congratulated Minister Turner and the team responsible for the project on the quality of the transformation, describing the redevelopment of the former Deluxe building as an important example of the Government's broader approach to restoring and repurposing buildings within St. John's.

   Meanwhile, Cabinet has established a three-member ministerial team to oversee the Government's comprehensive redevelopment of St. John's. The team comprises the Honourable Melford Nicholas, Minister responsible for Utilities; the Honourable Rawdon Turner, Minister responsible for Social and Urban Transformation; and the Honourable Maria Browne, Minister responsible for Works.

   The redevelopment programme will commence with a major focus on High Street, forming the first stage of a wider initiative to revitalise the commercial centre of the capital.

   The decision builds upon the Government's ongoing urban renewal programme and the public consultation process launched earlier this year. That consultation attracted significant public participation and brought together government ministries, statutory bodies, businesses and residents to discuss the future development of St. John's.

   The programme envisages improvements to roads and drainage, utility infrastructure, sidewalks, public spaces and the general appearance of buildings within the city. Earlier plans include the Ministry of Works coordinating with APUA to replace ageing water infrastructure before major road reconstruction, reducing the likelihood that newly completed roads would later have to be excavated for utility works.

   Cabinet emphasised that the redevelopment of St. John's is intended to produce lasting improvements for residents, businesses and visitors and to restore the capital as an attractive, functional and vibrant centre of commerce, culture and national life.

   The three Ministers will coordinate the activities of the various government ministries, agencies and utilities whose work will be required to deliver the transformation.

   Cabinet also extended its congratulations to the Honourable Charles Max Fernandez, Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment, on his election as Chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization's Council of Ministers and Commissioners of Tourism.

   Minister Fernandez was unanimously elected during the CTO Annual General Meeting in Georgetown, Guyana, on 6th October. His election returns Antigua and Barbuda to the chairmanship of the regional tourism organisation for the first time in more than 15 years.

   Cabinet said Minister Fernandez's selection by his regional colleagues represents recognition not only of his years of leadership in Antigua and Barbuda's tourism industry, but also of the important role the country continues to play in the development of Caribbean tourism.

   Cabinet noted that the Minister assumes the regional leadership position at an important period for Caribbean tourism, when greater attention is being placed on regional connectivity, resilience, investment and ensuring that the benefits of the industry extend more broadly to Caribbean people.

   Cabinet congratulated Minister Fernandez and expressed confidence that he will bring the same commitment and leadership demonstrated in the development of Antigua and Barbuda's tourism sector to his new regional responsibility.

   The Cabinet looks forward to his continued sterling leadership and contribution to the advancement of tourism in Antigua and Barbuda and throughout the Caribbean.

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7. Government Approves Land-Clearing Programme to Expand Agricultural Production

   Minister for Agriculture, the Honourable Anthony Smith, updated the Cabinet on a new initiative designed to bring additional agricultural lands into production and strengthen Antigua and Barbuda's food security.

   Minister Smith reported that the Ministry of Agriculture has authorised the Agricultural Extension Division to provide land-clearing services to existing and prospective farmers across key agricultural districts.

   The initiative is intended to address one of the challenges confronting farmers-the cost and availability of land preparation-while increasing the acreage under cultivation and encouraging greater domestic food production.

   Under the first phase, Government land-clearing services will be provided for a combined total of 102 acres across five major agricultural districts. The acreage will be allocated as follows:

   • South East - 22 acres
   • South Central - 22 acres
   • North East - 20 acres
   • South West - 16 acres
   • North West - 22 acres

   Existing registered farmers as well as prospective new farmers will be eligible to benefit from the programme. Other agricultural districts and settlements are being considered for subsequent phases.

   Cabinet welcomed the initiative, noting that Government's investment in land preparation must result in productive agricultural activity. Consequently, farmers benefiting from the programme will be required to enter into a formal Service Agreement with the Agricultural Extension Division.

   Under the agreement, beneficiaries will be required to establish a viable crop on the cleared land within 90 days of completion of the land-clearing service.

   Minister Smith also advised Cabinet that the Ministry will use the programme to encourage increased production of five priority crops: onion, sweet potato, cassava, sweet pepper and tomato.

   While farmers will not be restricted exclusively to these crops, the Agricultural Extension Division will actively encourage and incentivise their production as part of the Government's strategy to increase the local supply of key agricultural commodities.

   Minister Smith said the programme is intended to ensure that Government resources committed to agriculture translate directly into increased acreage under cultivation and measurable increases in domestic food production.

   Cabinet noted that the land-clearing initiative complements other measures being pursued by the Ministry of Agriculture, including improving farmers' access to water through the construction and rehabilitation of dams and ponds, strengthening agricultural extension services and increasing the utilisation of Government-owned agricultural machinery.

   The programme also supports Antigua and Barbuda's broader regional commitment to reduce dependence on imported food and strengthen domestic and regional food security, building upon the objectives of CARICOM's food-import reduction initiative.

   Cabinet endorsed the approach outlined by Minister Smith and encouraged the Ministry to closely monitor the lands cleared under the programme to ensure that beneficiaries satisfy the conditions of the Service Agreement and that cleared lands are placed into productive use within the stipulated timeframe.

   The Government remains committed to providing practical support to existing and emerging farmers and to ensuring that public investment in agriculture contributes directly to increased production, greater opportunities for farmers and enhanced national food security.