The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda convened on Wednesday, 3 December 2025, beginning its weekly meeting with a reflection delivered by a pastor from the Evangelical Association. Drawing from 2 Chronicles 20, the meditation focused on themes of courage, trust, and national resilience—setting the tone for a session dominated by wide-ranging discussions on the country’s economic outlook and development priorities.
Cabinet received a comprehensive briefing on the 2026 National Budget, which outlines the country’s continued trajectory of strong economic growth and fiscal stability. With real GDP growth expected to reach 4.8 percent in 2025 and 5 percent in 2026, officials reported that Antigua and Barbuda is experiencing one of the most robust economic periods in its history. National finances were described as the strongest in decades, with a primary surplus of $254.9 million and an overall surplus of $116.3 million recorded for 2025. Surpluses are again projected for 2026, accompanied by a significant drop in the debt-to-GDP ratio to 61.4 percent, down from more than 100 percent in 2014.
The budget’s central focus remains on improving quality of life and strengthening resilience across all major sectors, including healthcare, education, housing, agriculture, security, and digital transformation. Ministers reported progress across their portfolios and outlined transformative initiatives scheduled for implementation in 2026. Health Minister Sir Molwyn Joseph highlighted what he described as the most significant modernization of the national health system in decades, including the launch of National Health Insurance, reopening of the Cancer Centre, expansion of mental health services, and the commissioning of the $10 million Renal Care Centre.
Education Minister Daryl Matthew discussed major investments in expanding the UWI Five Islands Campus, the roll-out of new academic programmes, and the commitment to free CXC exam fees in 2026. Plans to enhance public infrastructure and expand access to affordable housing were also presented, with Minister Maria Browne noting that more than $100 million in road and drainage works are planned for next year, along with hundreds of new homes under CHAPA, National Housing, and redevelopment initiatives.
The Cabinet also reviewed developments in tourism, agriculture, public safety, ICT, social protection, and foreign affairs, each minister presenting updates that point to sustained growth, continued modernization, and a focus on national resilience.
Throughout the session, Ministers described an overarching goal of translating economic success into tangible benefits for citizens. Prime Minister Gaston Browne, whose budget presentation is scheduled before Parliament next week, has reiterated that the government’s economic performance now allows for greater investments in people-centered development and long-term national transformation.
