{"id":270164,"date":"2026-03-19T10:52:50","date_gmt":"2026-03-19T14:52:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/?p=270164"},"modified":"2026-03-19T10:52:52","modified_gmt":"2026-03-19T14:52:52","slug":"cabinet-notes-wednesday-18th-march-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/cabinet-notes-wednesday-18th-march-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"CABINET NOTES: Wednesday 18th\u00a0March 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"
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REPORT FROM THE CABINET OF ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA
MEETING OF WEDNESDAY 18th<\/sup> MARCH 2026<\/strong><\/p>

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The prayers before Cabinet were led by a pastor from the Methodist Church who based his meditation on <\/strong>1 Timothy 2:1\u20134<\/strong>.<\/strong>  We are reminded of the power and responsibility of prayer\u2014especially for those in authority. The Apostle Paul urges that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be made for all people, and particularly for leaders, so that society may be guided toward peace, order, and godliness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This passage calls us to look beyond personal concerns and to lift up those entrusted with decision-making. Leadership carries great responsibility, and wisdom is essential. When we pray for leaders, we are asking God to guide their hearts, sharpen their judgment, and align their actions with justice, compassion, and truth.<\/p>

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The scripture also reminds us of God\u2019s desire\u2014that all people be saved and come to the knowledge of truth. This places a higher purpose on leadership: that decisions made not only benefit society materially but also uphold dignity, fairness, and the well-being of all.<\/p>

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In this light, prayer becomes an act of service\u2014covering leaders with divine guidance so that their work may contribute to peace and progress for all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Pastor prayed that God Grants members wisdom, understanding, and discernment in all their decisions. He ask that God Guide their hearts to act with integrity, fairness, and compassion. <\/p>

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1.     The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has approved a series of measures aimed at easing the cost of living and strengthening the economic well-being of citizens, in keeping with commitments made during the December 2025 Budget presentation.

These decisions come against the backdrop of ongoing global geopolitical developments\u2014including rising fuel and food prices\u2014which continue to impact small island developing states. The Government, led by Prime Minister Gaston Browne, has taken proactive steps to cushion the effects of these external pressures on households and workers.

ABST Reduction on Essential Items<\/strong>

Cabinet confirmed that the previously announced reduction of the Antigua and Barbuda Sales Tax (ABST) to 0% on food items and school supplies<\/strong> will be implemented over April 10\u201311, 2026<\/strong>, the weekend preceding the reopening of schools following the Easter break. This measure is intended to provide direct financial relief to families preparing for the new school term.

Increase in Minimum Wage<\/strong>

Following recent consultations with the National Minimum Wage Committee, Cabinet has agreed to increase the national minimum wage from $9.00 to $11.50 per hour<\/strong>, effective April 1, 2026.<\/strong>

Cabinet further noted that this adjustment forms part of a phased approach toward the previously announced target of $13.00 per hour<\/strong>, with additional increases to be implemented over time. The measure is designed to improve income security for low-wage earners and ensure a fairer distribution of economic gains.


Interim Salary Increase for Public Servants<\/strong>

In keeping with the Government\u2019s commitment to public sector workers, Cabinet also approved an interim salary increase of 5% for all public servants<\/strong>, effective end of March 2026<\/strong>. This adjustment is intended to provide immediate relief while negotiations on a broader compensation package continue.

Cabinet emphasized that this increase does not indicate the final total of the increase and is subject to ongoing negotiations<\/strong>, with the expectation that a comprehensive agreement will be reached in due course.

Cabinet reiterated that these measures reflect the Government\u2019s continued commitment to protecting citizens from global economic shocks while advancing national development goals. Antigua and Barbuda\u2019s economic policies in recent years have focused on resilience, social protection, and sustainable growth, particularly in response to external challenges affecting small economies.

The Government will continue to monitor global developments and stands ready to implement additional measures where necessary to safeguard the well-being of the people of Antigua and Barbuda.

 

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2.<\/a>     <\/a>The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has agreed for work to commence this coming week on the rehabilitation of All Saints Road by the Ministry of Works<\/a>,<\/strong> as part of the Government\u2019s ongoing programme to improve the nation\u2019s road infrastructure.

Cabinet was informed that the Ministry of Works has already begun mobilizing the necessary heavy-duty equipment, materials, and personnel to ensure that the project is executed efficiently and to the highest possible standards. The scope of works is expected to significantly enhance the quality and durability of the roadway, improving safety and ease of travel for motorists and pedestrians alike.

The rehabilitation of All Saints Road forms part of the Government\u2019s broader infrastructure development strategy, which has prioritized the upgrade of critical road networks across the country. In recent years, the Government has undertaken several major road improvement projects aimed at addressing long-standing issues related to road conditions and drainage.

Cabinet also noted that the Government will continue its engagement with Canadian-based firm AmDex, as discussions advance on other road rehabilitation projects across the state. These negotiations are expected to support a wider programme of roadworks designed to modernize transportation infrastructure and strengthen national development.

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda remains committed to delivering high-quality infrastructure that meets the needs of its citizens and supports economic growth. Residents and road users are encouraged to exercise caution and cooperate with traffic management measures that may be implemented during the construction period.

Further updates on the progress of the All Saints Road project will be provided in due course.<\/p>

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3.     The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has emphasized its policy aimed at empowering citizens who have been residing on Crown lands for an extended period.

Under this initiative, individuals who have occupied Crown lands for more than ten (10) years <\/strong>will be offered the opportunity to purchase up to one-quarter (\u00bc) acre of land <\/strong>at a concessional rate of EC$1.00 per square foot<\/strong>.

Cabinet noted that this policy forms part of the Government\u2019s broader efforts to promote homeownership, security of tenure, and economic empowerment<\/strong> among citizens. By providing long-term occupants with the ability to formalize ownership of the lands they have developed and maintained, the Government aims to improve living conditions and create greater opportunities for wealth creation.

The policy also seeks to regularize informal settlements in a structured manner, ensuring that residents can gain legal title while enabling the State to implement proper planning, infrastructure development, and community enhancement initiatives.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne and Cabinet emphasized that the initiative reflects the administration\u2019s continued commitment to uplifting citizens and expanding access to land ownership<\/strong>, particularly for those who have demonstrated long-standing ties to the lands they occupy.

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda remains committed to policies that advance social equity, economic inclusion, and sustainable national development.



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4.     The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has announced that a national clean-up campaign<\/strong> will be undertaken across the country within the next two weeks, as part of the Government\u2019s ongoing commitment to environmental management and national beautification.

This initiative builds on the policies and actions of the administration led by Prime Minister Gaston Browne, which has consistently prioritized the cleanliness, safety, and aesthetic appeal of communities throughout Antigua and Barbuda.

Cabinet noted that recent efforts led by the National Solid Waste Management Authority and partner agencies have already intensified clean-up and beautification activities across several communities, including the removal of bulky waste, clearing of overgrown areas, and cleaning of drains and public spaces. 

In addition, community-based initiatives\u2014such as recent bulk waste clean-up campaigns\u2014have demonstrated the importance of citizen participation in maintaining a clean and healthy environment, while promoting national pride and collective responsibility. 

The upcoming national clean-up will take a coordinated, multi-agency approach,<\/strong> involving government ministries, statutory bodies, community groups, and volunteers. Activities will include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n