Cabinet has approved several decisions aimed at strengthening infrastructure, protecting national heritage and advancing agricultural development in Antigua and Barbuda.
Among the decisions taken was the closure of the St. John’s Public Cemetery to new burials effective at the end of March 2026 due to capacity constraints.
While no new burials will be permitted, families who already have existing tombs or burial plots will still be allowed to inter relatives in those spaces.
Cabinet also approved plans to relocate the country’s National Archives to the former Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce building.
The relocation follows concerns about structural deficiencies at the current archives facility that could threaten the preservation of historical records and the safety of staff.
In addition, repair works are currently underway at the Government Printery to improve working conditions for employees. One of the major tasks includes the removal of a large population of pigeons that have been occupying the building.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Agriculture announced that the new Tissue Culture Laboratory in Bethesda will officially open in the coming week.
The facility will use modern biotechnology techniques to produce disease-free planting material for crops such as bananas, pineapples and root crops, helping to strengthen food security and agricultural productivity.
Cabinet said the laboratory will play a key role in modernising the country’s agricultural sector and improving the availability of high-quality planting materials for farmers.
