CABINET NOTES: 19th February 2026

REPORT FROM THE CABINET OF ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA
MEETING OF THURSDAY 19^th FEBRUARY 2026

The prayers before Cabinet were led by a Pastor from the Seventh Day Adventist Church who focused his meditation on Jeremiah 29:11.

The pastor reflected onJeremiah 29:11, reminding the Cabinet that God declares He knows the plans He has for His people—plans to prosper them, not to harm them, and to give them hope and a future. He said this promise was a reassurance that even in challenging times, God’s purposes remain steady and sure.

He stated that the members of the Cabinet were not in their positions by accident or mere human decision, but that they had been chosen by God and entrusted with a divine appointment. He emphasized that leadership carries both privilege and responsibility, and that those called to serve must do so with humility, integrity, and a deep awareness of their accountability to God and to the people.

He gave thanks to God for each member, acknowledging the sacrifices they and their families make in service to the nation. He prayed that God would cover them and their households with His grace, protection, and peace. He asked that they be granted wisdom beyond their own understanding, courage in moments of difficulty, and unity of purpose as they deliberate on matters affecting the country.

He further prayed that their decisions would be guided by righteousness and compassion, and that every policy and action would promote justice, stability, and hope for the people of Antigua and Barbuda. He concluded by expressing confidence that as they seek God’s guidance, the nation would be strengthened and its future secured under His sovereign care.

1. The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda convened a session chaired jointly by Prime Minister Gaston Browne and Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin, as the Prime Minister had multiple engagements throughout the day.Sir Steadroy Benjamin opened the session by outlining the process leading up to the by-election in the St. Phillips North Constituency, scheduled for Monday, 16th March. The by-election follows the retirement from active politics of Sir Robin Yearwood, who celebrated 50 years of service in the Parliament of Antigua and Barbuda on Wednesday.The Attorney General informed Cabinet that the Writ for Elections has been officially issued by Governor General Sir Rodney Williams following communication from Prime Minister Browne. The Writ has been published in the Antigua and Barbuda Gazette, formally commencing the election process. Nomination Day is set for 25th February.Attorney General Benjamin emphasized that the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party machinery will be fully mobilized to ensure the party and government retains the St. Phillips North Constituency, which it has represented continuously since 1976. He also noted that former campaign officer for Sir Robin and former Customs official, Randy Baltimore, has resigned from public service to actively participate in the upcoming election on behalf of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party.The Cabinet expressed its full support for the election process and underscored the importance of continued democratic engagement in Antigua and Barbuda. 
    
2. The Hon. Daryl Matthew, Minister for Education, announced to Cabinet on Thursday, that the Government of Antigua and Barbuda has completed the full payment of all Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) examination fees (CSEC/CAPE) for students preparing to sit examinations in the May–June 2026 session. During his update, Minister Matthew confirmed that under the government’s directive, the Ministry has settled all costs associated with CXC examinations for eligible students in Antigua and Barbuda. This action fulfils the commitment made by Prime Minister Gaston Browne in his December 2025 Budget presentation, where he pledged that the Government would absorb examination fees for all students sitting CXC exams beginning with the 2026 cycle. The Minister further advised that all monies previously paid by parents and guardians to the Ministry of Education and to schools for these examinations have been refunded in full. Schools have been instructed to facilitate the return of these funds directly to parents and guardians, thereby easing the financial burden on families and ensuring that no student is disadvantaged due to examination costs. This landmark initiative marks a significant milestone in the Government’s ongoing efforts to support education and promote equitable access to critical academic opportunities. By removing the financial barrier of examination fees, the Government is investing in the future of the nation’s young people and reaffirming its commitment to educational excellence.The Ministry of Education encourages all stakeholders, including schools, parents and students, to continue to work collaboratively to ensure a smooth implementation of this programme and to support students as they prepare for their upcoming examinations. 
3. The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda approved a proposal brought by the Attorney General for the training and employment of twenty (20) new fire officers for the Fire Division.As part of this decision, five (5) of the newly recruited fire officers will be stationed on the sister island of Barbuda, while the remaining fifteen (15) will be deployed across various fire stations throughout Antigua. This strategic distribution is intended to strengthen fire and emergency response coverage across both islands.This initiative represents a significant investment in national safety and resilience. The recruitment and training of additional fire officers will enhance the Fire Division’s operational capacity, reduce response times to emergencies, and improve overall public safety. It will also ensure that Barbuda benefits from a dedicated and strengthened fire service presence, particularly important in light of the island’s unique geographic and emergency-response needs.Additionally, the decision creates meaningful employment opportunities for citizens, contributing to workforce development and skills training in the area of emergency services. The Cabinet underscored that well-trained and adequately staffed fire services are essential to protecting lives, property, and critical infrastructure.The Cabinet remains committed to supporting institutions that safeguard the welfare of the people and to ensuring that emergency services are properly equipped and staffed to meet the evolving needs of the nation. 
4. The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has given its full backing to a new tourism development, Reset Wellness Antigua,a next-generation project designed to advance the diversification, sustainability, and high-value visitor engagement of the nation’s tourism sector.The project, presented to Cabinet by its principals, is founded on a simple principle: to expand Antigua’s global tourism offerings beyond traditional leisure travel by establishing a wellness-focused destination that attracts longer-stay, higher-spending visitors while maintaining low-density development and environmental responsibility.Reset Wellness Antigua is located at Harmony Hall at Brown’s Bay Mill in Freetown, near Non-Such Bay and Brown’s Bay Beach. During the construction phase, the project is expected to generate between 150–200 direct jobs, with over 90 percent of the workforce drawn from local labor. Local trades including civil works, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, landscaping, and finishing services will be engaged, supporting skills development and economic participation.Once operational, anticipated within 24 months, the project will create an estimated 80–120 long-term positions, including wellness practitioners, specialized service providers, culinary staff, maintenance personnel, and administrative roles.The development emphasizes sustainability, incorporating solar energy integration, passive cooling architectural design, green roof systems, native plant reintroduction, stormwater management, and reduced visual impact through terrain-sensitive design. The first phase will utilize five of the 12 acres of the property, with approximately 172 units included under the Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship by Investment Programme. The consortium, which includes local partners, is projected to invest over US$40 million during the first phase.The Cabinet has pledged its support for the project, including concessions outlined under the Citizenship by Investment legislation, affirming its commitment to fostering high-quality, sustainable tourism developments that contribute to the economy, create jobs, and enhance Antigua and Barbuda’s international tourism appeal. 
5. The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda received a presentation from the General Manager and Waste Management Manager of the National Solid Waste Management Authority regarding a recent environmental incident at Hansons Bay near the Cooks Landfill.

   On Thursday, 12th February 2026,  the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force Coast Guard received a report from the Pilot Station at the Antigua Port Authority in St. John’s of an oil sheen in the waters at Hansons Bay, extending toward Pelican Point. The NSWMA was immediately alerted, and surveillance of the area was conducted in collaboration with the National Office of Disaster Services and the Central Board of Health.

   Investigations revealed that recent rainfall of 2 inches, combined with full-capacity sewage ponds and a king tide event, resulted in landfill leachate overflowing into the mangrove. As the tide receded, leachate flowed into Five Islands Harbour, causing environmental concern.  (Daily waste received at Cooks Landfill includes 6 tonnes of solid waste, 30,000 gallons of sewage, and 1,500 tires)

   To continue addressing the issue, the General Manager of NSWMA recommended further investigation, including expanded water and sediment sampling to map the spread of contamination, inspection of the leachate collection and treatment system to identify potential failure points, and the deployment of real-time sensors for continuous monitoring to support long-term ecological assessments.

   To strengthen the Authority’s ongoing efforts, Cabinet approved the acquisition and deployment of additional equipment, including two bulldozers, an additional excavator, a motor grader, a vibratory compactor (roller), and a landfill compactor. Cabinet also pledged support to complete road construction with assistance from the Ministry of Public Works.

   Cabinet reaffirmed its commitment to environmental protection and sustainable waste management and urged all relevant agencies to maintain close collaboration to prevent future incidents and safeguard Antigua and Barbuda’s coastal and marine environments.

6. The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has approved the recommendation of the Hon. Attorney General and Minister responsible for the Police to acquire four additional dogs for the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda K9 Unit.The new additions to the K9 Unit will include two firearm detection dogs, one narcotics detection dog, and one explosives detection dog, along with comprehensive training for both the dogs and their handlers. This will expand the K9 Unit to a total of fifteen dogs, significantly enhancing the force’s operational capabilities.The Cabinet highlighted that these additions will bolster crime-fighting capacity across Antigua and Barbuda, providing critical support in detecting firearms, explosives, and illicit substances. The enhanced K9 Unit will improve public safety, strengthen law enforcement response, and serve as a deterrent to criminal activity.Furthermore, the acquisition of specialized dogs and training ensures that the Police Force maintains a modern, highly skilled unit capable of responding to complex security challenges. Cabinet affirmed its commitment to providing the necessary resources to equip the police with the tools required to protect the nation and its citizens effectively. 
    
7. The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has taken note of a number of Antiguan and Barbudan doctors who are due to complete their specialization studies in the coming months, further strengthening the nation’s healthcare delivery capacity.Cabinet commended the achievements of medical specialists: Dr. Jessica Charles – ENT, Dr. Cameron Knowles – Dermatology, Dr. Auriel Aaron – Gastroenterology, Dr. Adriana Cole Baez – Cardiology, and Dr. Mitchell James – Orthopedics & Traumatology. These doctors pursued their advanced studies in the Republic of Cuba under the longstanding two-nation medical partnership, gaining expertise that will significantly enhance clinical services in Antigua and Barbuda.In recognition of Dr. Jessica Charles’s specialization, Cabinet approved a build-out of the ENT Unit at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, ensuring that patients have access to modern and comprehensive ear, nose, and throat care.The arrival of these specialists is expected to improve the nation’s healthcare delivery in multiple ways: enhancing access to specialized medical services, reducing the need for overseas referrals, supporting early diagnosis and treatment of complex conditions, and strengthening the capacity of public healthcare institutions to provide high-quality care for all residents.Cabinet reaffirmed its commitment to investing in the nation’s healthcare workforce and infrastructure, ensuring that Antigua and Barbuda continues to offer advanced and accessible medical services for its population. 
    
8. The Passport Office has reported a very serious and concerning development: a significant increase in the number of lost passports being reported in recent months.

   This trend poses serious national security, administrative, and financial challenges, and has prompted immediate action by the Office.

   In response, the Passport Office intends to launch a nationwide public education and awareness campaign aimed at sensitizing citizens and residents to the critical importance of properly securing their travel documents.

   The campaign focuses on:

               •           The security risks associated with lost or misplaced passports

               •           The potential for identity theft and fraudulent use

               •           The financial and administrative burden placed on the state

               •           Best practices for safeguarding passports at home and while traveling

               •           The importance of responsible document management

   Officials have emphasized that a passport is not merely a travel document, but a secure and internationally recognized form of national identification that must be treated with the highest level of care.

   The matter will be formally presented to Cabinet next week for consideration and policy direction.

   Among the recommendations to be discussed are:

               •           An increase in the cost for replacement of lost passports

               •           The extension of the waiting period before an individual may apply for a replacement passport after reporting one as lost

               •           Possible additional administrative safeguards to reduce repeated loss incidents

   These measures are being considered to deter negligence, strengthen document security, and ensure the integrity of the national passport system.

   The Passport Office is urging all citizens to treat the safeguarding of their passports as a matter of national responsibility. The careless handling or repeated loss of passports not only affects the individual but may have broader implications for border security and the international standing of the country’s travel documents.

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