The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda, chaired by Prime Minister the Hon. Gaston Browne, convened on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, for its weekly meeting. The session began with prayers led by a pastor from the Evangelical Association, who reflected on Psalm 112 — a passage emphasizing integrity, generosity, and steadfast faith in God. The pastor prayed for wisdom and guidance for Cabinet members and blessings upon their families.
Support for Students in Jamaica and Cuba Following Hurricane Melissa
Prime Minister Browne provided an update on Antiguan and Barbudan students studying in Jamaica and the Republic of Cuba, both of which were recently impacted by Hurricane Melissa.
The Government swiftly arranged accommodation for 53 students at the Pegasus Hotel in Kingston, Jamaica, for a seven-day period. The students are now preparing to resume classes at their respective universities on Monday, November 3.
Cabinet members expressed gratitude for the students’ safety and offered condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the storm. In solidarity with affected communities, Cabinet agreed to provide assistance to Jamaica and Cuba, including:
- Healthcare supplies
- Deployment of military personnel
- APUA linesmen to support restoration efforts
APUA Commences All Saints Road HDPE Pipeline Project
The General Manager of the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) briefed Cabinet on the start of the All Saints Road HDPE Pipeline Project—part of the Authority’s ongoing national water network modernization initiative.
The project will replace the aging 16-inch cast iron main along portions of All Saints Road with new 20-inch and 12-inch high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipelines. This upgrade is designed to increase flow capacity, stabilize water pressure, and enhance reliability while reducing the frequency of leaks and system failures.
Expected outcomes include:
- Improved water distribution and pressure stability
- Fewer service interruptions and system failures
- Enhanced water quality for consumers
- Modernized infrastructure in line with APUA’s long-term development goals
Cabinet Strengthens Financial Oversight and Internal Controls
Cabinet underscored the importance of protecting the integrity of government financial operations, particularly within the Treasury Department, Customs and Excise Division, and the Inland Revenue Department.
Recognizing that the lack of regular officer rotation in sensitive financial roles increases the risk of collusion or fraud, Cabinet has directed the Ministry of Finance to develop and enforce a structured rotation policy. This initiative will be supported through technical assistance from CARTAC and other relevant experts.
The Financial Secretary, in consultation with the Minister of Finance, will oversee the periodic transfer of officers between key departments to improve accountability and performance. The Ministry is also required to provide Cabinet with regular progress reports on the strategy’s implementation.
Changes to Tax Concessions Policy
Cabinet reaffirmed its earlier decision that all existing tax concessions granted to businesses and entities will expire on November 30, 2025. Effective December 1, 2025, businesses and ongoing projects may reapply for new concessions.
Under the revised framework, any new concessions approved will have a maximum duration of three years. Applicants will be required to include details of previously granted concessions when submitting new applications.
