CABINET NOTES: March 26, 2026

REPORT FROM THE CABINET OF ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA
MEETING OF WEDNESDAY 25th MARCH 2026

The prayers before Cabinet were led by a pastor from the Methodist Church who based her meditation on Proverbs 8: 8-17. The Pastor of the Methodist Church delivered a thoughtful meditation to the Cabinet, emphasizing the central role of wisdom, righteousness, and integrity in leadership. The passage highlights that wisdom speaks truth, rejects wickedness, and guides those in authority toward justice and sound judgment—principles that are essential for national governance.

In her reflection, the Pastor encouraged Cabinet members to continually seek wisdom in all their decisions, noting that true leadership is grounded not only in knowledge but in moral discernment and a reverence for what is right.She reminded them that wisdom leads to fairness, strengthens institutions, and fosters trust among the people.

The Pastor expressed sincere gratitude to the Cabinet for their hard work and ongoing commitment to the people of Antigua and Barbuda.She acknowledged that their responsibilities can often feel thankless, yet affirmed that their service is both seen and appreciated. Their efforts, she noted, contribute significantly to the stability and development of the nation.

She further urged Cabinet members to remain transparent and accountable in all their actions, recognizing that such qualities build public confidence and uphold the dignity of governance. By doing so, they not only strengthen the present administration but also secure a lasting and honorable legacy—both collectively as a government and individually as leaders.

In closing, the Pastor reaffirmed that a steadfast pursuit of wisdom, coupled with integrity and humility, will guide the Cabinet in fulfilling their duties effectively and in service to the people.

The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda, chaired by Prime Minister Gaston Browne has approved a 5 percent increase in payments to pensioners, extending the Government’s ongoing efforts to provide financial relief and improve the standard of living for all citizens.

This decision follows last week’s announcement of a 5 percent salary increase for public servants. In a further demonstration of its commitment to equity and inclusiveness, Cabinet has agreed to broaden the scope of this increase right across the public service to include individuals participating in the Government’s Work Experience Programme anad contract workers.

Cabinet recognized that pensioners, many of whom rely on fixed incomes, are particularly vulnerable to rising living costs. The approved increase, effective the end of April, is intended to provide meaningful support and ensure that they are not left behind as the Government implements wider economic adjustments.

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda remains committed to improving the welfare of its people through prudent economic management and people-centered policies. These measures form part of a broader strategy to strengthen social protection systems and promote inclusive growth across the nation.

The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has acknowledged the urgent need to address the high cost of air travel between Antigua and Barbuda, following a presentation by newly appointed Caretaker for Barbuda on behalf of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party, Mr. Kendra Beazer.

Mr. Beazer’s presentation highlighted the growing financial burden faced by residents and travelers due to increased airfare costs on the Antigua–Barbuda route. Recent developments have seen significant fare increases, with limited transportation alternatives contributing to the challenge and impacting both residents and the local economy.

In response, Cabinet agreed that the matter requires immediate and meaningful intervention. Members recognized that affordable and reliable transportation between the sister islands is essential for economic activity, access to healthcare, and the overall well-being of Barbudans.

Cabinet has therefore given an undertaking to approve a subsidy aimed at reducing airfare costs between Antigua and Barbuda. This initiative is expected to provide much-needed relief to residents and ensure greater accessibility and mobility.

Mr. Beazer has been advised to prepare and submit a detailed proposal outlining the structure and implementation of the proposed subsidy. This submission will be reviewed by Cabinet at its next sitting, where a final determination will be made.

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda remains committed to ensuring equitable access to transportation and to addressing the concerns of all citizens, particularly those in Barbuda who depend heavily on affordable travel between the islands.

The Cabinet has received and approved a comprehensive update from the Treasury Department on the status of retroactive salary payments owed to public servants for the period 2018–2023. The presentation outlined significant progress made to date, key disbursement figures, eligibility criteria, and measures being implemented to complete all outstanding payments.

As of January 2026, a total of EC$28,716,480.85 has been disbursed to eligible public servants. This includes:

        •           Established employees: EC$12,537,858
        •           Non-established employees: EC$9,800,255
        •           Weekly-paid workers: EC$3,791,284
        •           Pensioners: EC$2,543,917
        •           Separated employees: EC$43,166

These payments reflect the Government’s continued commitment to settling outstanding obligations in a structured and transparent manner.

The Treasury has implemented a payment framework based on employment status:

• Established and non-established workers may receive up to two months’ gross salary or the actual balance owed (whichever is less).
• Weekly-paid workers may receive up to one month’s gross salary or the actual balance owed.
• Retired or resigned employees (within specified periods) receive payments aligned with similar caps.

Eligible recipients include individuals employed by the Government on or before December 31, 2023, as well as certain categories of separated employees and contract officers where eligibility is explicitly stated.

Excluded from the programme are:

        •           Parliamentarians and Ministers
        •           Judges
        •           Participants in the Work Experience Programme
        •           Contract officers without stipulated eligibility

Ongoing Work and Challenges

The Treasury identified several challenges impacting the pace of disbursement, including:

• Data gaps for separated employees and pensioners, particularly missing banking information • High query volumes due to incorrect or incomplete submissions from departments• The need for reconciliation of December 2025 and January 2026 disbursements</code></pre></li>

Despite these challenges, the Government has intensified efforts to resolve outstanding issues.

To improve efficiency and communication, the Treasury has:

        •           Established a dedicated Help Desk to process queries
        •           Implemented stricter data submission guidelines across departments
        •           Introduced mandatory periodic banking information reviews
        •           Enhanced proactive communication regarding eligibility and payment status

Public servants are encouraged to utilize the Help Desk services and ensure their records are accurate and up to date to facilitate timely payments.

The Government has set a target to complete all outstanding retroactive payments by the end of March 2026. Cabinet reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that all eligible public servants receive their due payments in a fair and timely manner.

The Cabinet has approved a presentation by the Treasury Department within the Ministry of Finance outlining its current restructuring strategy aimed at strengthening financial management, oversight, and accountability across Government ministries.

The presentation detailed the Treasury Department’s initiative to deploy Accounting Officers to key ministries under a pilot programme scheduled to commence during the second quarter of 2026. The initiative is designed to strengthen financial oversight within ministries, improve real-time expenditure monitoring, enhance commitment controls, and build financial management capacity at the ministry level with direct support from the Treasury.

The pilot phase will include the deployment of Accounting Officers to the Ministry of Public Works, the Ministry of Creative Industries, and the Ministry of National Security. These ministries were selected based on expenditure levels, infrastructure programmes, and the need for enhanced financial control frameworks.

Under the new structure, deployed Accounting Officers will be responsible for monitoring ministry expenditure, reviewing and certifying payment vouchers, preparing monthly expenditure reports for submission to the Accountant General, advising ministries on Financial Administration Act (FAA) and Treasury compliance, and strengthening internal financial management systems.

The restructuring initiative is expected to improve budget adherence across ministries, ensure more timely and accurate financial reporting, reduce accounts payable backlogs, and embed stronger accounting support within major spending ministries.

Cabinet welcomed the initiative, noting that the restructuring represents a significant step toward modernizing public financial management, improving fiscal discipline, and strengthening accountability in the use of public funds.

The Treasury Department will proceed with the implementation of the pilot programme and will report to Cabinet on its progress and outcomes following the initial phase.

The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has approved a landmark proposal for the establishment of the country’s first comprehensive National Cardiology Center, marking a major advancement in the nation’s healthcare system.

The proposal, submitted by internationally recognized cardiologist Professor Xingwei Zhang through the Minister for Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Affairs, Molwyn Joseph, outlines a strategic partnership aimed at delivering world-class cardiac care locally.

The initiative builds on a successful two-year collaboration between Hangzhou Normal University and Antigua and Barbuda’s Ministry of Health, along with the Mount St. John’s Medical Centre. The primary objective is to eliminate the need for citizens to travel overseas for life-saving cardiac procedures by providing advanced interventional cardiology services within the country.

The National Cardiology Center will introduce cutting-edge diagnostic and surgical capabilities, significantly improving access to specialized care. The facility is expected to handle complex cardiovascular conditions, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, and arrhythmias.

Professor Zhang, who currently serves as President of the Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University and Director of the Hangzhou Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, will lead the initiative. With extensive experience in over 20,000 percutaneous coronary interventions and pioneering work in cardiac care systems, he brings a wealth of expertise to the project.

According to the approved plan, the Center is expected to become operational by the end of the year. Key milestones include:

        •           Procurement of all essential surgical and diagnostic equipment by August
        •           A 2–3 month installation and calibration period to meet international standards
        •           Deployment of a dedicated on-site cardiology team to manage daily operations and emergency procedures

A dual-presence leadership model will also be implemented, ensuring continuous collaboration between Antigua and Hangzhou, and providing ongoing access to specialized training and medical resources.

Cabinet has expressed confidence that the National Cardiology Center will not only enhance healthcare outcomes for citizens but also evolve into a premier cardiac facility within the Caribbean. The initiative aligns with the Government’s broader commitment to modernizing healthcare infrastructure and improving quality of life.

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has entered into a contractual agreement with the Chinese firm China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECCC) for the repaving of the North Sound racetrack, with the primary objective of significantly improving safety at the facility.

The North Sound Drag Racing Track, located east of the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, has grown in popularity over the years, attracting thousands of racing enthusiasts, families, and spectators who utilize the venue as a key recreational space.

Recognizing both its national importance and increasing usage, Cabinet has prioritized the rehabilitation of the track to ensure it meets modern safety standards. The project will include resurfacing works and the installation of enhanced safety features designed to better protect drivers and spectators alike.

This initiative forms part of the Government’s broader commitment to creating safe, structured environments for sporting and recreational activities. The track has long served as a controlled venue for motorsport, helping to promote responsible racing while providing a gathering space for families and car enthusiasts across Antigua and Barbuda.

By partnering with CCECCC, the Government aims to deliver a high-quality upgrade that will not only improve safety but also strengthen the overall appeal and functionality of the facility. Cabinet underscored that continued investment in such infrastructure is essential to supporting community engagement, youth development, and the growth of motorsport in the country.

The Government remains committed to ensuring that public recreational spaces are safe, accessible, and capable of meeting the needs of all citizens.

The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has approved the establishment of a rent-to-own programme for the condominium units being constructed under the Booby Alley Housing Project, marking a significant step toward expanding access to homeownership for citizens.

The Booby Alley Housing Project, located in the historic Point community, is a transformative urban renewal initiative funded through a grant from the Government of the People’s Republic of China. The development will deliver approximately 150 modern, climate-resilient condominium units, replacing substandard housing and improving the living conditions of hundreds of residents.

Cabinet’s decision to implement a rent-to-own model for the remaining units, following the exchanges for those residents who once occupied homes in the area, is aimed at ensuring that beneficiaries of the project are not only provided with improved housing, but are also given a clear and attainable pathway to ownership. This approach aligns with the Government’s broader objective of empowering citizens, particularly those from vulnerable communities, through sustainable housing solutions.

Under the proposed arrangement, occupants of the newly constructed units, who once rented property in the area before the commencement of the project, will become homeowners over time, thereby fostering greater personal investment in their properties and strengthening community stability.

The Booby Alley development forms a central pillar of the Government’s wider housing and urban renewal agenda, which seeks to eliminate inadequate housing conditions and uplift communities across Antigua and Barbuda. The project is widely recognized as a major social intervention designed to improve quality of life and create new opportunities for residents.

Cabinet emphasized that the rent-to-own programme will be carefully structured to ensure affordability while maintaining the long-term sustainability of the housing initiative.

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda remains committed to delivering modern, safe, and dignified housing for its people, while creating pathways for citizens to build equity and secure their future through homeownership.
The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has approved a recommendation submitted by the Minister for Housing and Works, Maria Browne, for the termination of a lease in favor of Mr. Maxwell Randolph Henry for lands located at Sutherlands, Block 64 1892C, Parcel 282.

The lands, comprising approximately 13.647 acres, are currently occupied in part by the Clarevue Mental Hospital and several informal housing settlements. Cabinet’s decision was taken in the context of the Government’s strategic housing and national development objectives, which have identified the area as suitable for redevelopment into a structured low-income housing community and for the regularization of existing settlements.

The Cabinet has directed the Ministry of Housing and Works to proceed with planning and executing a comprehensive housing development project on the site. The project will include:

        •           The construction of affordable housing units for low-income families
        •           The regularization of existing informal settlements to provide security of tenure
        •           The integration of community facilities and supporting infrastructure to promote sustainable community development

Cabinet has also mandated inter-ministerial coordination between the Ministry of Housing and Works and the Ministry of Health regarding the relocation and accommodation arrangements for the Clarevue Mental Hospital. This is to ensure continuity of care and services while redevelopment of the area proceeds.

The decision to terminate the lease was made under Government’s legal authority to manage Crown lands in the public interest, particularly where such action supports national housing policy and broader social development objectives.

This initiative forms part of the Government’s ongoing commitment to expanding access to affordable housing, improving living conditions, and advancing sustainable community development across Antigua and Barbuda.

The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has approved a series of initiatives aimed at preserving the nation’s pottery heritage in Seaview Farm while strengthening cultural tourism and supporting the sustainability of traditional pottery production, following a presentation by the Hon. Anthony Smith.

The decision follows a formal proposal submitted by Ms. Sharona Burnett, granddaughter of Ms. Hyacinth Hillhouse, the country’s only living traditional potter and the matriarch of the historic Elvie’s Pottery. The proposal outlined the cultural significance of the pottery tradition, the operational challenges associated with clay processing and kiln firing, and the need for national support to preserve this important part of Antigua and Barbuda’s heritage.

Cabinet recognized Seaview Farm as the home of one of the Caribbean’s oldest surviving pottery traditions, with techniques and craftsmanship passed down through generations for more than a century. Cabinet noted that the preservation of this indigenous craft is of national cultural importance and represents a unique opportunity to expand heritage tourism and community-based economic activity.

Cabinet has approved the assignment of three individuals to the pottery facility in Seaview Farm to undergo training in the traditional craft of pottery. This initiative is intended to ensure the transfer of knowledge and skills to a new generation, safeguarding the continuity of the craft and preventing the loss of this important cultural tradition.

In recognition of the operational realities outlined in the proposal, Cabinet has agreed to provide support to assist with the continued production of traditional pottery. This support will help address key operational needs including site access and land clearing, clay extraction and processing, transportation of clay, labor support for clay preparation and kiln operations, water supply for clay preparation and firing processes, and fuel required for kiln firing.

Cabinet has further agreed that the Ministry of Tourism will enter into an arrangement with the owners of the historic pottery business to facilitate the production and supply of authentic pottery artifacts. These items will be used as official gifts and will form part of the country’s cultural tourism product, giving visitors an authentic connection to Antigua and Barbuda’s heritage while expanding market opportunities for locally produced pottery.

This partnership is expected to increase visibility for Seaview Farm pottery, create new economic opportunities within the community, and strengthen the integration of culture and heritage into the national tourism strategy.

Cabinet emphasized that the initiative represents an important step in preserving Antigua and Barbuda’s cultural legacy while supporting community development and entrepreneurship. The initiative also forms part of the Government’s broader policy to protect intangible cultural heritage, support local artisans, and expand the creative and cultural industries.

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that traditional skills, such as pottery making at Seaview Farm, continue to be preserved, supported, and passed on to future generations as a proud symbol of national identity and heritage.

The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has approved a proposal presented by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Barbuda Affairs, E. P. Chet Greene, for the appointment of internationally recognized Jamaican recording artist Masicka (Javaughn Nicholas Fearon) as Cultural Ambassador for Youth Talent Development and Creative Industries Collaboration.

The initiative forms part of the Government’s national strategy to expand the creative industries sector, strengthen youth development programmes, and enhance cultural diplomacy across the Caribbean region.

As Cultural Ambassador, Masicka will collaborate with the Government of Antigua and Barbuda to develop emerging musical talent, facilitate international exposure opportunities, provide mentorship and structured training pathways for young artists, and support youth intervention programmes targeting at-risk youth.

Under the first phase of the initiative, three young Antiguan and Barbudan artists will be selected to participate in a Jamaica-based artist development exchange programme. The programme will include professional studio training, songwriting development, vocal coaching, performance preparation, exposure to music producers and record labels, touring observation opportunities, and entrepreneurial development training.

The initiative will also include a National Youth Music Intervention and Mentorship Programme targeting at-risk youth, school-aged youth, community programme participants, and youth rehabilitation programme participants. Programme activities will include motivational sessions, creative workshops, mentorship circles, and conflict resolution through music engagement.

Masicka will also host a National Youth Creative Empowerment Forum Series featuring interactive youth dialogues, music industry education panels, entrepreneurship workshops, mental health and identity discussions, and leadership through culture sessions.

The Government expects the initiative to strengthen Antigua and Barbuda’s music export potential, develop internationally competitive artists, reduce youth delinquency through creative engagement, expand regional cultural cooperation, promote positive Caribbean identity, and position Antigua and Barbuda as a creative industry hub in the region.

Cabinet has also approved government support for the initiative, including formal appointment of Masicka as Cultural Ambassador, endorsement of the Youth Artist Exchange Programme, travel support for selected artists, coordination through relevant ministries, venue support for national youth forums, sponsorship facilitation, and national recognition for programme participants.

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda remains committed to investing in youth development, the creative economy, and cultural industries as key pillars of national development and social transformation.

The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has approved the appointment of internationally acclaimed Warri players, Trevor Simon and Terrence Kambuie Charles, as Cultural Ambassadors, in recognition of their outstanding contribution to the preservation and promotion of the traditional game of Warri.

Cabinet commended both men for their unwavering dedication to the development of Warri, a historic and culturally significant game deeply rooted in African heritage and widely regarded as one of the oldest strategy games in the world.

The appointment acknowledges the pivotal role played by Mr. Simon and Mr. Charles in advancing the sport locally, regionally, and internationally, as well as their continued efforts to ensure its transmission to younger generations. Their work has been particularly impactful in fostering a resurgence of interest in Warri within schools across Antigua and Barbuda, where the game is increasingly being embraced as both an educational and cultural tool.

Cabinet noted that their advocacy and engagement have helped to strengthen national identity, promote cultural awareness, and preserve an important aspect of the nation’s intangible heritage.

As Cultural Ambassadors, Mr. Simon and Mr. Charles are expected to continue championing Warri, supporting its integration into youth development programmes, and representing Antigua and Barbuda on the international stage.

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda extends heartfelt congratulations to both honourees and expresses confidence that they will continue to inspire pride and excellence in the nation’s cultural traditions.

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