{"id":266988,"date":"2026-02-12T15:30:23","date_gmt":"2026-02-12T19:30:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/?p=266988"},"modified":"2026-02-12T15:30:24","modified_gmt":"2026-02-12T19:30:24","slug":"cabinet-notes-wednesday-11th-february-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/cabinet-notes-wednesday-11th-february-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"CABINET NOTES: Wednesday 11th February 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"
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REPORT FROM THE CABINET OF ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA
MEETING OF WEDNESDAY 11th<\/sup> FEBRUARY 2026<\/strong><\/p>

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The prayers before Cabinet were led by a Pastor from the Seventh Day Adventist Church who focused his meditation on Proverbs 14:34 and Revelations 13: 15-17<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Proverbs 14:34 reminds us that \u201cRighteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.\u201d<\/em> This wisdom teaches that the strength and dignity of a people are not rooted in power, wealth, or influence, but in their commitment to what is right. When individuals and communities pursue justice, mercy, and humility before God, they build a foundation that cannot easily be shaken.<\/p>

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Revelation 12:15\u201317 presents a vivid image of the serpent attempting to overwhelm the faithful with a flood, symbolizing forces that seek to destroy truth and righteousness. Yet the earth helps the woman, and the dragon, frustrated, turns its anger toward those who \u201ckeep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus.\u201d<\/em> This passage reminds believers that opposition often arises when righteousness is pursued, but it also assures that God provides protection, endurance, and ultimate victory.<\/p>

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The Pastor said that Together, these passages invite us to reflect on our calling to live righteously even in times of pressure or spiritual opposition. When righteousness shapes our choices, we become part of God\u2019s sustaining work in the world. Though challenges may come like a flood, faithfulness anchors us. He stated that God honors those who stand firm in truth, and through their witness, His justice and glory are revealed.  He prayed that members of Cabinet, in their decision making will do so in the context that Antigua and Barbuda is not a singular unit but a part of a global community and therefore decisions must be made with this in mind.  He prayed thanking God for Life and a brand new day and the anointing of the minds of members to think globally to the benefit of Antigua and Barbuda.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cabinet was chaired by Prime Minister the Hon. Gaston Browne who commenced Wednesday\u2019s session by providing a report on discussions held with investors and international partners on proposed projects, Antigua and Barbuda\u2019s economic performance and Geo-Political issues.  The first discussions centred on Cabinet advancing an inclusive growth strategy for entertainment, Leisure and Local economic participation.<\/p>

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  1. The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda on Wednesday took decisive action to expand local participation in the nation\u2019s thriving economy during a period of sustained growth and forward-looking development.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Over the past eleven years under the leadership of Prime Minister Gaston Browne<\/strong>, Antigua and Barbuda has transitioned from a fragile post-crisis economy to one of the region\u2019s most resilient and dynamic. After experiencing an era of low growth and elevated public debt a decade ago, the Government has delivered consistent economic expansion, stronger fiscal performance, and diversified activity across tourism, construction, financial services, and other key sectors. Recent estimates show robust GDP growth in 2025 and a projected expansion of around 5 percent in 2026<\/strong>, positioning Antigua and Barbuda\u2019s economy close to a $7 billion output<\/strong> <\/strong>for the first time in history. The Cabinet says this reflects disciplined economic management, strategic investment, rising employment, and expanding economic activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Cabinet Members, recognising the importance of ensuring that local Antiguans and Barbudans have meaningful access to opportunities in the entertainment, leisure, and broader travel economy, agreed on a suite of policy measures designed to transform enclave industries into inclusive engines of prosperity for the nation\u2019s citizens.<\/p>

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    Key policy decisions agreed by Cabinet include:<\/p>

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    1. Establishment of a Certificate Programme by the Ministry of Tourism<\/strong>
      \u2022 To legitimise and strengthen the participation of local businesses in the tourism, entertainment and leisure sectors.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. Introduction of a Licensing Regime for Real Estate Agents and Property Managers<\/strong>
      \u2022 To protect consumers, raise industry standards, and support professionalisation of the real estate sector.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    3. Incentives for Local Leisure and Entertainment Businesses<\/strong>
      \u2022 To enhance competitiveness, stimulate investment, and support the growth of local entrepreneurs in these dynamic sectors.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    4. Waivers of Duties and Taxes on Capital Equipment for Boat Tours and Water Sports Operators<\/strong>
      \u2022 To reduce barriers to entry and modernise local offerings in water-based tourism activities.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      In alignment with strategic efforts to deepen local engagement and ownership in high-value tourism assets, Cabinet agreed to support the Shell Beach project<\/strong> for local Airbnb-style investment properties by allocating:<\/p>\n\n\n\n