The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda, chaired by Prime Minister Gaston Browne, met on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, to discuss a range of national matters including government vehicle procurement, water infrastructure upgrades, cemetery drainage improvements, and a new partnership to enhance water security.
The meeting began with prayers led by a pastor from the Evangelical Association, who read from Proverbs 3:5–6 and encouraged members to trust in divine wisdom and seek guidance in all decisions.
Cabinet Tightens Oversight on Government Vehicle Purchases
Cabinet held detailed discussions on strengthening control measures for revenue collection and procurement processes, particularly regarding the unauthorized purchase of vehicles. The Ministry of Finance has been instructed to review the relevant information and, where unauthorized purchases or irregularities are identified, negotiate restitution for any excess payments.
As part of the review, all central government ministries, departments, and state-owned entities are required to submit vehicles under their custody for audit and inspection by the Government Motor Pool. Cabinet also reaffirmed that all government vehicles used for official business must carry the approved licence plates.
The policy specifies that, except for Parliamentarians, Judges, Magistrates, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Supervisor of Elections, Commissioner of Police, Chief of Defence Staff, and any other position expressly approved in writing, all government-issued vehicles must be registered with “G” plates.
Major Water Infrastructure Works Underway
The Minister responsible for Utilities reported progress on several water improvement projects being executed by the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA). These include re-piping works, the reactivation of reservoirs, and upgrades to storage tanks across the island.
The Lower Buckleys Reservoir, offline for six years, is now operational with a 600,000-gallon capacity, supplying water to Swetes, Follys, and Liberta. Expansion works at the Pigeon Point and Pattersons Plants are also in progress to double production to 500,000 gallons per day, supporting the growing yachting sector.
Plans are in motion to integrate the Pattersons Reservoir into the broader distribution system for St. Paul, while retail distribution works in Montuella will begin following ongoing re-piping in Cedar Valley. Two new concrete reservoirs are also planned for Wink-Eye Hill, New Winthropes, as part of a hydraulic improvement programme for northern communities.
The Minister further confirmed that APUA is coordinating with the Ministry of Works on major road rehabilitation projects, including All Saints Road from Townhouse Junction to English Harbour, and will provide a definitive timeline for re-piping works before the next Cabinet meeting.
Drainage Improvements at Tranquility Park Cemetery
The Minister for Health briefed Cabinet on flooding at the newly opened Tranquility Park Cemetery following recent heavy rainfall exceeding nine inches within 24 hours. The St. John’s and Valley Church Cemeteries were also affected.
To address these issues, Cabinet approved the installation of a drainage system at Tranquility Park and directed that the works proceed expeditiously.
Japan Partnership to Enhance National Water Security
In a significant development, Cabinet approved a partnership with WOTA Corporation of Japan to implement decentralized water-recycling systems under a national water-security initiative. The collaboration will feature the deployment of at least 500 WOTA systems across the country under a Joint Proof of Business (PoB) initiative supported by the Government of Japan.
The Ministry of ICT, Utilities and Energy will serve as the Executing Agency, while APUA will act as the Implementing Agency. A joint monitoring committee comprising representatives from WOTA, the Government of Japan, and local agencies will oversee the programme.
To facilitate implementation, Cabinet will consider a five-year exemption from all taxes and duties on the importation, sale, installation, and maintenance of WOTA systems, beginning January 1, 2026.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne welcomed the partnership, emphasizing that it underscores Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to technological innovation, climate resilience, and sustainable water management. He noted that the initiative positions the country as a regional model for small island states seeking to strengthen water self-sufficiency.
