The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda, chaired by Prime Minister Gaston Browne, convened on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, addressing a wide range of national matters including government procurement oversight, port management, fiscal policy, housing, social protection, and public security.
A major highlight of the meeting was the Cabinet’s review of investigations into the unauthorized purchase of government vehicles, which has already resulted in the recovery of $10 million from one car dealership. The Financial Secretary will continue discussions with another dealership to secure further restitution.
In response, Cabinet approved a new Government Vehicular Policy to be implemented within 14 days, aimed at strengthening accountability and ensuring proper management of the state’s vehicle fleet. The policy establishes an advisory committee to oversee allocations, restricts use of government vehicles to official duties, mandates parking at designated ministry locations after hours, and requires the disposal of vehicles older than five years through public auction. It also sets clear rules for passenger use and relocation of the Transport Board fleet from the Government Motor Pool to its Herberts headquarters.
The Cabinet also reaffirmed its commitment to improving revenue collection and transparency at the St. John’s Port. Following reports of revenue loss, a Finance Audit Team has begun conducting random container inspections alongside customs officers to verify cargo declarations. The team will now include law enforcement officers, and a special fund will compensate vetted private citizens selected through a process similar to jury duty. A secure, monitored area at the Port Authority has been designated for these inspections to ensure integrity in the process.
In a significant fiscal policy decision, Cabinet announced that all existing tax concessions granted to businesses and entities will end on November 30, 2025. From December 1, companies and projects must reapply under new criteria aligned with national development priorities. The decision is intended to promote fairness, improve compliance, and better target incentives toward projects that deliver tangible economic benefits such as job creation, innovation, and sustainability.
Cabinet also reviewed progress within the construction sector. The Minister for Works announced a national workshop for building contractors to be held at the John E. St. Luce Conference Centre following Independence celebrations. The event will cover contract preparation, building standards, project management, and financing opportunities. Prime Minister Gaston Browne and Sir Molwyn Joseph are among the scheduled speakers. Meanwhile, the National Housing and Urban Development Company will engage contractors to build 15 new homes under the Build on Your Own Land Programme, with sites across communities including Paynters, Clarkes Hill, All Saints, and New Winthropes.
Turning to social issues, Cabinet acknowledged receipt of a letter from the Antigua and Barbuda Pensioners Association outlining concerns regarding the processing of pension applications, sick benefits, and recent policy changes. The Social Security Board has begun reviewing the issues raised. Cabinet emphasized the need for timely, transparent communication and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring retirees receive fair and efficient service under a modernized social security system.
In a major reform effort, Cabinet approved the restructuring and modernization of the Treasury Department, which will reduce six divisions to four specialized units: Financial Management, Cash Management, Financial Control, and Accounting. The reorganization introduces new senior and technical positions, including an additional Deputy Accountant General and four Assistant Deputies, to improve accountability, financial reporting, and compliance with international standards. Cabinet commended the Treasury team and the Ministry of Finance for advancing transparency and efficiency in public finance management.
Cabinet also approved the establishment of a public–NGO partnership with the Integrated Health Outreach (IHO) to create a 24-hour shelter for victims of gender-based violence. The initiative will provide survivors with safe accommodation, counselling, and vocational training. The Government will support the project through land allocation for a women’s farm to fund operations, concessions on construction materials, staffing assistance, and security support. The IHO will manage operations and coordinate donor funding. Prime Minister Browne described the initiative as a landmark step in Antigua and Barbuda’s efforts to strengthen gender justice and social protection.
Finally, the Cabinet approved the installation and upgrading of surveillance systems across all public schoolsfollowing recent break-ins. The initiative, led by the Minister of Education, is part of the Government’s ongoing commitment to improving safety and security for students, teachers, and school property.
Prime Minister Browne reaffirmed that these wide-ranging measures reflect his administration’s commitment to accountability, fairness, and sustainable national development, ensuring that government operations remain efficient, transparent, and responsive to the needs of the people.
