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Notes from the Cabinet
REPORT FROM THE CABINET OF ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA MEETING OF WEDNESDAY 23rd SEPTEMBER 2026
Pastor Ivor Davis led the meditation at the meeting of the Cabinet, drawing his message from Hebrews 3:7-8, which declares: Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.
He encouraged members of the Cabinet to remain attentive to the voice of God and to guard against developing hearts that become hardened by difficulties, disappointments or the pressures of leadership.
Pastor Davis reflected on the experience of the children of Israel during their journey through the wilderness. Although God had delivered them from bondage and continued to provide for their needs, they became dissatisfied and rebellious. Their circumstances caused them to lose sight of God's provision and to develop a negative attitude towards their journey and their leadership. The lesson, he said, is that when God speaks, His people must be prepared to listen rather than allow frustration or impatience to close their hearts.
He reminded the Cabinet that God speaks with love and compassion. His voice is not intended to drive His people away, but to draw them closer to Him. Pastor Davis likened God's relationship with His people to that of loving parents who speak to their children with care, creating an environment in which they feel able to bring their concerns, fears and difficulties. In the same manner, God invites His people to approach Him confidently and to maintain an open relationship with Him.
The Pastor further reminded members that a believing heart is essential to hearing and following God's direction. He referred to Hebrews 3:12 and warned against allowing unbelief to cause the heart to turn away from the living God. Even when God's direction may not immediately be understood, he encouraged the Cabinet to trust that God's wisdom and provision remain sufficient.
Applying the message directly to leadership, Pastor Davis encouraged Cabinet members to cultivate hearts that remain receptive to divine guidance as they deliberate on matters affecting the nation. Leadership brings difficult choices and competing demands, but the warning of Hebrews remains relevant: do not allow the heart to become hardened. Instead, leaders should listen carefully, remain humble, encourage one another and seek God's wisdom in the decisions entrusted to them.
He emphasised the importance of encouragement, recalling the instruction in Hebrews to encourage one another so that hearts are not hardened. Words spoken around the Cabinet table, he suggested, should therefore contribute to wisdom, understanding and unity, particularly when members are required to confront difficult national issues.
Pastor Davis concluded the meditation in prayer, thanking God for His continuing love and compassion and for the privilege of being able to hear His voice amid life's challenges. He presented the members of Cabinet before God and prayed that the decisions taken around the Cabinet table would be in accordance with God's will and for the good of the people of Antigua and Barbuda. He asked for divine wisdom, protection and guidance, and prayed that the work of the nation's leaders would contribute to peace and prosperity throughout the country.
He prayed God's blessing upon the Cabinet and its deliberations, asking that God's presence remain with its members throughout the meeting and that, in all things, God would be honoured and glorified.
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Cabinet Convenes Police and Customs Leadership as Government Intensifies Response to Gun Crime and Illegal Firearms
The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda on Wednesday held extensive discussions with the senior leadership of the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda and the Customs and Excise Division as the Government intensifies its response to gun-related crime and the proliferation of illegal firearms.
The officials were invited to Cabinet by Acting Prime Minister and Minister responsible for Public Safety, the Honourable Sir Steadroy Benjamin, as Cabinet examined additional measures to strengthen law enforcement, border controls and the detection of firearms and ammunition entering the country.
At the outset of the discussions, Cabinet reflected on the human toll of the recent incidents of gun violence and expressed its deepest condolences to the family, relatives and friends of Sequanya Anthony, whose life was taken in a recent shooting incident.
Cabinet said the loss of a young life to gun violence is deeply troubling and painful, not only for the family affected but for the entire nation. Members of Cabinet extended their sympathies to Ms. Anthony’s loved ones during this period of grief.
Cabinet also expressed its concern for the two brothers who were injured during the shooting incident and joined their family and the wider community in praying for their speedy and complete recovery.
Cabinet made clear that such incidents reinforce the urgency with which the Government, law-enforcement agencies and the wider society must confront gun violence and the circulation of illegal firearms.
The Comptroller of Customs was questioned extensively on the procedures governing the examination and clearance of containers entering Antigua and Barbuda.
Cabinet advised that greater attention and scrutiny must be applied during the container-clearance process, particularly as the Government seeks to close potential avenues through which illegal firearms, ammunition and other contraband could enter the country.
Cabinet also directed the Comptroller to expedite the acquisition of portable scanning equipment and to accelerate efforts towards bringing the Port's container scanner fully into operation.
As a further strengthening of the country's detection capabilities, Cabinet gave its approval for the acquisition of K9 detection dogs for deployment at the Port, specially trained to assist authorities in detecting firearms, ammunition and currency.
Cabinet noted that stronger border enforcement is a critical component of the national response to gun crime, since preventing illegal weapons from entering the country must complement efforts to recover firearms already circulating within communities.
During the discussions with the Police leadership, Cabinet directed the Police to intensify their enforcement efforts and adopt a more forceful and sustained posture against crime and lawlessness.
Cabinet emphasised that there must be consistent and visible enforcement of the law and that the Police should address not only serious and violent offences but also smaller offences and acts of lawlessness which, if left unchecked, can contribute to a wider disregard for law and order.
The Police leadership was therefore encouraged to maintain a strong presence in communities, intensify intelligence-led operations and utilise all lawful means available to disrupt criminal activity and remove illegal firearms from the streets.
Cabinet reaffirmed that persons who choose to engage in criminal activity must understand that law-enforcement agencies will pursue them and bring them before the courts. Cabinet also reiterated its previous instruction to the Police to intensify enforcement against illegally tinted vehicles.
The Police were advised to exercise the powers available to them to have non-compliant vehicles impounded and taken to the Government Motor Pool for assessment and the removal of illegal tint.
Cabinet was advised that the processing period for the assessment and removal of tint from vehicles taken to the Motor Pool is estimated to be a minimum of two weeks.
Motorists are therefore encouraged to ensure that their vehicles comply with the applicable legal requirements and to remove illegal tint voluntarily rather than risk having their vehicles impounded.
During their engagement with Cabinet, the Police leadership again raised concerns regarding sentencing and the granting of bail, particularly in relation to repeat offenders and persons suspected of committing serious crimes.
Cabinet took note of the concerns expressed by the Police and agreed that the issues surrounding repeat offending, bail and sentencing remain important elements of the wider national discussion on crime and the administration of justice. The matter will be addressed during upcoming parliamentary sitting on Monday and Tuesday of next week.
Cabinet reaffirmed that the fight against crime requires coordinated action across the entire national security and justice system - including stronger border protection, intelligence gathering, effective policing, prosecution and the proper administration of justice.
The Acting Prime Minister and Minister responsible for Public Safety, Sir Steadroy Benjamin, reaffirmed the Government's determination to provide the Police, Customs and other national security agencies with the equipment, technology and other resources required to strengthen their operations.
Cabinet again appealed to citizens and residents to cooperate with the Police and other law-enforcement agencies and to provide information that could assist in recovering illegal firearms and identifying and apprehending persons involved in criminal activity.
Cabinet concluded that gun violence cannot be allowed to become normalised within Antigua and Barbuda and pledged that the Government will continue to pursue measures aimed at protecting communities, strengthening law enforcement and preserving the peace and security for which the nation is known.
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CABINET WELCOMES NEW ARRIVEANTIGUA IMMIGRATION SYSTEM FOR ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA CITIZENS
Cabinet has welcomed the implementation of a new and enhanced ArriveAntigua immigration clearance system at the V.C. Bird International Airport, which is expected to be operational by November 1 , 2026.
The improved system, being introduced by the Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority in collaboration with the Immigration Department, represents another important step in the Government’s continuing efforts to modernise border-management services and improve the experience of Antiguan and Barbudan citizens traveling.
The system will incorporate technology similar to that used in international trusted-traveller and automated border-clearance programmes, allowing eligible Antiguan and Barbudan travellers to benefit from a faster and more seamless immigration process.
At the initial stage, Antigua and Barbuda citizens will be the only persons eligible to use the new expedited system.
The enhanced ArriveAntigua platform will allow eligible citizens to complete relevant immigration requirements electronically and facilitate the use of automated identity and passport verification upon arrival and departure. This is expected to reduce the amount of time citizens spend in traditional immigration queues and provide a more efficient process for returning home.
Cabinet welcomed the initiative as particularly beneficial to citizens who travel frequently, as well as to families, business travellers and others who regularly use V.C. Bird International Airport.
Cabinet was advised that the new system is intended to create a dedicated and more efficient arrival experience for Antiguan and Barbudan citizens.
The introduction of automated processing will enable Immigration Officers to focus their attention on cases requiring additional verification or secondary examination, while routine processing for eligible citizens can be completed more efficiently.
The initiative is expected to:
- significantly reduce waiting times for eligible citizens arriving at the airport;
- provide a faster and more convenient immigration clearance process;
- make greater use of digital and biometric identity verification;
- improve the efficiency of Immigration operations;
- reduce congestion during periods of heavy passenger arrivals; and
- provide returning citizens with a more modern and seamless welcome home.
Cabinet emphasised that the introduction of the new system does not remove the country’s immigration and border-security controls. Rather, it uses modern technology to make the process of verifying the identity of citizens and clearing them through immigration more efficient.
Cabinet views the initiative as part of the wider transformation of Antigua and Barbuda’s border-management infrastructure and the continued development of V.C. Bird International Airport as a modern international gateway.
The system will complement the existing ArriveAntigua platform and represents a move towards greater use of digital processing, automated verification and biometric technology at the country’s principal international airport.
Cabinet also stressed the importance of ensuring that the new technology is implemented with appropriate safeguards for the security and integrity of personal and passenger information, and in accordance with the country’s immigration, data-protection and national-security requirements.
The Government expects the initiative to provide a tangible improvement in the experience of Antiguan and Barbudan citizens returning home and to demonstrate how technology can be used to deliver faster, more efficient and citizen-centred public services.
Cabinet therefore welcomed the initiative and expressed its support for the Airport Authority and Immigration Department as they move toward implementation by the 1st of November 2026.
The Government remains committed to modernising the delivery of public services and ensuring that citizens benefit directly from technological advances that improve efficiency, convenience and the overall experience of returning home to Antigua and Barbuda.
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Cabinet Approves SargaCycle Partnership to Transform Sargassum into Agricultural Resource
The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has approved a partnership presented by the Minister responsible for Agriculture, the Hon. Anthony Smith Jr., aimed at developing a more sustainable national response to the growing challenge posed by sargassum, while creating new opportunities for agriculture, environmental protection and the circular economy.
The proposal, presented by SargaCycle, seeks to shift Antigua and Barbuda’s response from the traditional removal and disposal of sargassum towards the offshore collection, processing and productive use of the seaweed. The company proposes to operate at the intersection of tourism protection and agricultural development, turning collected sargassum into products that can support local farming.
Cabinet welcomed the initiative as an innovative approach to a problem that has increasingly affected beaches, coastal communities, tourism properties, marine ecosystems and other areas of economic activity.
Central to the approved partnership is the concept of collecting sargassum before it reaches the shoreline and begins decomposing.
The proposed system uses specialised offshore collection equipment to intercept floating sargassum and direct it towards skimmers. Once collected, the material is pumped through a sealed pipeline to an onshore collection point before being transported for processing.
Cabinet was advised that this approach could reduce the need for heavy equipment to operate directly on beaches, while limiting the amount of sand removed during conventional beach-cleaning operations.
Of particular interest to the Cabinet is the proposal to transform harvested sargassum into biochar and liquid biostimulants for agricultural use. The proposal envisages these products being used to improve soil quality, water retention and crop resilience while contributing to a reduction in reliance on imported agricultural inputs.
The Minister responsible for Agriculture advised Cabinet that the initiative complements the Government’s wider efforts to strengthen domestic food production and introduce new technologies and sustainable practices into the agricultural sector.
Cabinet also welcomed the proposal's longer-term emphasis on establishing processing and technical capacity within Antigua and Barbuda.
Under the proposed business model, harvested sargassum would initially be stabilised and refined locally, with specialised laboratory work undertaken through international partners. By the third year, SargaCycle proposes to establish additional laboratory and advanced manufacturing operations in Antigua and Barbuda, creating a local production hub for agricultural products derived from sargassum.
The proposal also contemplates the use of local talent and the eventual production of organic agricultural inputs for domestic and export markets.
Cabinet considers this aspect of the partnership particularly important, since the objective is not simply to remove sargassum from affected coastlines but to extract economic value from a material that has traditionally been treated as waste.
Cabinet was advised that unmanaged accumulations of sargassum can have implications for marine ecosystems, coastal areas and surrounding communities. The proposal identifies risks associated with decomposition, including reduced oxygen levels in coastal waters and the release of gases from rotting accumulations.
The approved partnership therefore supports a more proactive approach in which sargassum is collected offshore and transported for productive use rather than being allowed to accumulate on beaches or being routinely disposed of inland.
The company has also proposed working with Government on the management of sargassum affecting public beaches, heritage sites, government-managed bays, fishing areas and other priority coastal zones, including the development of a rapid-response capability during periods of unusually heavy influx.
Cabinet noted that the initiative has the potential to address several national priorities simultaneously - protecting the tourism product, preserving beaches and marine resources, supporting farmers, encouraging innovation and strengthening food security.
The Government will work with the relevant Ministries and agencies to advance the partnership and ensure that its implementation meets the necessary environmental, regulatory and technical requirements.
Cabinet expressed its support for approaches that turn environmental challenges into opportunities for sustainable development and noted that the SargaCycle initiative could provide Antigua and Barbuda with an opportunity to develop a
sea-to-soil
circular economy model, in which sargassum collected from the marine environment becomes a productive input for agriculture. -
Cabinet Approves EDP Financing to Support Expansion of Three Local Businesses
The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has approved financing through the Entrepreneurial Development Programme (EDP) for three locally owned businesses, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurship, small-business expansion, employment creation and greater participation of citizens in the national economy.
The proposals were presented to Cabinet following consideration by the EDP Loan Review Committee. Cabinet approved financing totalling EC$210,000 for R. Cole’s Grocery Plus, Duberry Estates and KCH Properties.
Cabinet approved an EC$50,000 loan to Ms. Riett Cole, trading as R. Cole’s Grocery Plus, an established supermarket and grocery business serving the All Saints Village community.
Operating since 2013, the business is undertaking an expansion to introduce a deli offering prepared and ready-to-eat foods, premium coffee and espresso services, as well as a wider selection of refrigerated and frozen products.
Cabinet noted that Ms. Cole has already invested in excess of EC$77,000 of her personal funds towards the expansion and build-out of the deli operation. The EDP financing will assist with completing infrastructure works and improvements and acquiring a generator and two commercial deep freezers.
Cabinet also approved EC$100,000 in EDP financing for Mrs. Catherine Williams-Joseph, trading as Duberry Estates, to assist with completing roofing works on an apartment complex being developed for short-term visitor accommodation.
Mrs. Williams-Joseph, a tourism professional with more than 15 years of experience in the tourism and transportation sector, is developing five fully furnished luxury short-term rental apartments within walking distance of the Jolly Harbour North Gate.
The proposed accommodation will target tourists, couples and small families and will be marketed through international booking platforms. The development will complement Mrs. Williams-Joseph’s existing tourism operation, Mary’s Taxi Tours & Rentals, allowing accommodation to be integrated with services such as airport transfers, island tours and vehicle rentals.
Cabinet was advised that the enterprise is expected to provide employment for four persons during its initial stage of operation.
A third EDP loan of EC$60,000 was approved for Mr. Colin Harrigan and Mrs. Karel Forde-Harrigan, trading as KCH Properties.
The financing will assist the business with the purchase of furniture for additional apartment units, supporting the expansion of its accommodation operations.
Cabinet noted that the three approvals demonstrate the important role of the Entrepreneurial Development Programme in providing affordable financing to citizens seeking to establish, strengthen and expand viable businesses.
The combined EC$210,000 investment will support enterprises operating in the retail, tourism and accommodation sectors, while facilitating business expansion, employment and additional economic activity.
Cabinet was particularly encouraged by the investments already being made by the entrepreneurs from their own resources and noted that access to affordable capital remains essential to enabling locally owned businesses to grow and compete.
The Cabinet reaffirmed that the Government will continue to utilise the Entrepreneurial Development Programme as an instrument for economic empowerment, providing qualified entrepreneurs with access to financing on favourable terms to turn viable business ideas and existing enterprises into sustainable sources of income and employment.
Cabinet further encouraged Antiguans and Barbudans with sound and innovative business proposals to explore the opportunities available through the EDP and other Government-supported mechanisms designed to expand local ownership and entrepreneurship.
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Cabinet Congratulates Antigua and Barbuda Falcons on Historic CPL Championship; Considers Bid to Host 2027 Finals
The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has extended its warmest congratulations to the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons on capturing the 2026 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) title, describing the historic achievement as a proud moment for the team and the nation.
The Falcons secured their first CPL championship on Sunday, defeating the Jamaica Kingsmen by eight wickets in the final at Kensington Oval in Barbados. Chasing 171 for victory, the Falcons reached their target with 20 balls remaining, completing an outstanding campaign and securing the championship in only their third season in the competition.
Cabinet commended the players, coaching staff, management and everyone associated with the franchise for the discipline, determination and team spirit demonstrated throughout the tournament.
Special recognition was given to the Antiguan and Barbudan players and members of the coaching and support structure whose participation has further strengthened the country's proud cricketing tradition. Cabinet noted that legendary West Indies fast bowler Sir Curtly Ambrose, a member of the Falcons' coaching staff, credited the team's success to its unity, hard work and belief in its ability to win the championship.
Cabinet also acknowledged the tremendous support provided by the people of Antigua and Barbuda throughout the tournament, particularly during the Falcons' home matches at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.
The Government reaffirmed its continued support for the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons, noting that the franchise has become an important vehicle for promoting Antigua and Barbuda internationally, creating opportunities for local and regional cricketers, strengthening sports tourism and inspiring young people.
Against the backdrop of the Falcons' historic championship victory, Cabinet also discussed the possibility of Antigua and Barbuda submitting a bid to host the CPL Finals in 2027.
Cabinet indicated that the proposal is being seriously contemplated and will be examined in greater detail, including the requirements for staging the final phase of one of the Caribbean's premier sporting events.
The Government noted that Antigua and Barbuda has demonstrated its capacity to host CPL cricket successfully. The Sir Vivian Richards Stadium hosted four Falcons home matches during the 2026 tournament, continuing the country's involvement in the competition.
Cabinet considers the potential hosting of the 2027 finals an opportunity not only to showcase Antigua and Barbuda's cricketing heritage, but also to generate economic activity through increased visitor arrivals, accommodation, transportation, entertainment and other tourism-related services.
The economic value of hosting CPL cricket has previously been demonstrated locally. An independent assessment of the tournament's return to Antigua and Barbuda in 2024 estimated a total economic impact of approximately US$14 million,including spending associated with the event and international media exposure for the destination.
Cabinet emphasised that no final decision has yet been taken on a bid for the 2027 Finals, but confirmed that the Government is seriously considering pursuing the opportunity.
The Cabinet again congratulated the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons on becoming 2026 Republic Bank CPL Champions, noting that their achievement has brought immense pride to Antigua and Barbuda and added another memorable chapter to the country's distinguished cricketing history.
