{"id":188994,"date":"2023-10-26T08:21:55","date_gmt":"2023-10-26T12:21:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/?p=188994"},"modified":"2023-10-26T08:28:11","modified_gmt":"2023-10-26T12:28:11","slug":"cabinet-notes-wednesday-25-october-2023","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/cabinet-notes-wednesday-25-october-2023\/","title":{"rendered":"Cabinet Notes – Wednesday 25 October 2023"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Summary of the Meeting of the Cabinet<\/u><\/strong><\/p>

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Held on Wednesday 25th<\/sup> October 2023<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

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  1. As it customary, Cabinet convened at 11:00 with an invocation and exhortation by a pastor.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

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    Hurricane Tammy<\/u><\/strong><\/p>

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    1. The Cabinet gave thanks that the recent passage of Hurricane Tammy saw the nation being spared the worse of its wrath. While Antigua received some wind and rainfall, there was minimal damage to critical infrastructure. Barbuda also did not receive severe damage, a situation for which the Cabinet is thankful. The Prime Minister will lead a team of senior officials on a visit to the sister isle very soon.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

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      1. The Cabinet agreed that the technicians at the Antigua Meteorological Services, the National Office of Disaster Services, and ABS are to be commended for keeping the nation informed during the passage of Hurricane Tammy. The Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) is also being commended for taking pre-emptive measures to safeguard utility services, which were fully restored in a short time especially in Barbuda, after the passage of Tammy.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

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        Discussion on the By-Election in St. Mary\u2019s South Constituency<\/u><\/strong><\/p>

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        1. Cabinet discussed the recently concluded by-election held in the St. Mary\u2019s South constituency, where the United Progressive Party\u2019s Kelvin Simon emerged victorious. The Cabinet extends its congratulation to Mr. Simon on his victory at the polls. It also reaffirmed the position that persons seeking to be elected to the nation\u2019s Parliament ought to do so in accordance with the law, as this was the main contention with the manner in which Mr. Simon contested the General Elections on 18th<\/sup> January 2023, having been nominated while still a Civil Servant.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

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          Dwayne George to be Appointed Minister of State<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

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          1. Cabinet further wishes to commend Senator Dwayne George who responded to the call to serve and in a matter of a few short weeks was able to gain support when compared to the performance in that constituency in the January General Elections. Senator George contested a seat that is known to be a stronghold for the UPP and was able to demonstrate that he is well prepared for leadership at the highest level. Accordingly, the Cabinet is pleased to announce that Prime Minister Gaston Browne has written to the Governor General advising that Dwayne George is to be appointed a Senator and Minister of State within the Ministry of Finance and Corporate Governance. The leadership is confident that his work in the St. Mary\u2019s South constituency is only just starting and that it will bear much fruit. Cabinet therefore reaffirmed its full support for Senator George as the standard bearer for the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party in that constituency.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

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            National Solid Waste Management Authority<\/u><\/strong><\/p>

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            1. The Cabinet and a team from the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) examined various challenges that prevent the organization from performing as efficiently as is expected. As one of the government agencies responsible for sanitation and beautification, the NSWMA is critical to the health and wellness of our people. There is therefore a need for such an important entity to function at an optimal level.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

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              1. A review by the Board of the NSWMA discovered certain irregularities regarding the payment of service providers, inclusive of some contactors being paid by other Ministries and the NSWMA at the same time for the same service.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

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                1. Cabinet has therefore asked for a comprehensive examination of the NSWMA\u2019s contracting arrangements in order to ensure that the agency is achieving its mandate to provide critical services to the nation. Cabinet has also asked the Ministry of Finance to assist in streamlining the arrangements for reducing arrears to service providers with the aim eliminating any superfluous service engagements also to coordinate activities for waste management with other related government agencies, inclusive of St. John\u2019s Development Corporation and the Central Board of Health.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

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                  1. A number of measures have been identified to bring the NSWMA back to a sustainable position. Inter alia:\n
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                    1. All service providers will be required to register with the Inland Revenue Department, the Medical Benefits Scheme, Social Security Board, and the Board of Education. All statutory deductions owed to these agencies will be deducted from the amounts owed to service providers.<\/li>\n
                    2. The NSWMA is to put measures in place to collect all outstanding tipping fees for use of the landfill.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n