REPORT FROM THE CABINET OF ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA
MEETING OF WEDNESDAY 25th FEBRUARY 2026
The prayers before Cabinet were led by the Cabinet Secretary who focused his meditation on Matthew 20: 26-28: In this passage, Jesus redefines leadership by turning worldly expectations upside down. He teaches that greatness is not measured by power, position, or authority, but by service. In a world that often equates leadership with control and status, Christ calls leaders to a higher standard—one rooted in humility, sacrifice, and compassion.
Jesus points to His own life as the ultimate example. Though He possessed all authority, He chose the path of service, even to the point of giving His life for others. This teaching challenges leaders to examine their motives and methods, reminding them that leadership is a calling to serve the needs of the people entrusted to their care. True leadership seeks the common good, listens before it commands, and places service above self-interest.
For those in positions of responsibility, this passage offers both guidance and accountability: leadership is not about being served, but about serving faithfully, justly, and selflessly.
The Cabinet Secretary thanked God for the wisdom of His Son, who showed us that true greatness is found in service. He prayed that God will help the members of Cabinet to lead with humility, compassion, and integrity. He asked for God to Teach them to see leadership not as a privilege to be claimed, but as a responsibility to serve.
He asked God to grant them the strength to put the needs of others before their own, the wisdom to make decisions guided by justice and love, and the courage to lead by example. He prayed that their actions reflect Christ’s servant heart, bringing hope, unity, and healing to those they serve.
- Cabinet has reaffirmed its commitment to national food security and agricultural expansion following the successful implementation of its policy decision, taken several months ago, to repossess unused and non-performing agricultural lands.
Minister for Agriculture, Anthony Smith, reported to Cabinet that to date, the Ministry of Agriculture has repossessed approximately 150 acres of farmland that were previously underutilized or not in active production. This decisive action forms part of the Government’s broader strategy to increase domestic food production, reduce import dependence, and place productive lands into the hands of committed and capable farmers.
During this week’s Cabinet meeting, the Minister for Agriculture presented recommendations for the immediate reallocation of a portion of the recovered lands. Cabinet agreed to commit 75 acres of the repossessed acreage specifically to youth and women farmers as part of a targeted empowerment and agricultural development initiative.
This allocation underscores the Government’s recognition of the critical role that young people and women play in modernizing and sustaining the agricultural sector. By expanding access to arable land, Cabinet aims to create new opportunities for entrepreneurship, increase output, and stimulate rural economic activity.
The Ministry of Agriculture will issue rental agreements to the selected farmers, ensuring structured and accountable use of the lands. Performance assessments will be conducted, and once positive production benchmarks are met, longer-term lease arrangements will be granted. This approach ensures that land distribution remains merit-based, productivity-driven, and aligned with national agricultural priorities.
Cabinet emphasized that land is a strategic national asset and must be actively cultivated in the interest of food security, economic resilience, and national development.
The Government remains resolute in its efforts to strengthen local food systems, support performing farmers who require additional acreage, and create pathways for the next generation of agricultural leaders.
- The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has approved the request for support and official endorsement of the 3rd Annual Antigua & Barbuda Cannabis (ABC) Festival 2026, affirming the Government’s commitment to the responsible development of the nation’s medicinal cannabis industry.The approval includes the support the execution of the Festival, which will take place from April 17–20, 2026 in St. John’s and other designated locations.The ABC Festival 2026 is designed as a strategic national initiative aimed at education, economic development, cultural celebration, and international positioning. Under the theme “Connect. Celebrate. Rejuvenate.” the four-day experience will blend authentic Antiguan and Barbudan heritage with world-class programming to drive economic impact and strengthen the country’s brand as a forward-thinking, niche global medicinal cannabis hub.The Festival will feature:• A high-level Cannabis Educational Conference and Trade Show at the American University of Antigua (AUA), bringing together regional and international experts, investors, researchers, and entrepreneurs.• A Sacred Gathering in Liberta, St. Paul’s, highlighting the spiritual and traditional dimensions of cannabis within the Rastafari community.• A culminating Island Experience and Sunset Cruise focused on wellness, networking, and destination promotion.Cabinet recognized that the Festival provides a structured and responsible platform to: • Educate the public on cannabis health, wellness, and its medicinal benefits. • Combat stigma through science-based messaging and informed dialogue. • Promote regulatory best practices and industry standards. • Address substance misuse through public awareness initiatives centered on responsible use. • Generate economic activity and investment opportunities. • Elevate Antigua and Barbuda’s profile as a leader in the regional medicinal cannabis space. The Government views this initiative as a strategic investment in a growing industry with significant potential for innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable economic diversification.The Cabinet’s endorsement formally establishes the ABC Festival 2026 as a national initiative aligned with Antigua and Barbuda’s broader sustainable development goals and its vision for a modern, regulated medicinal cannabis sector.
- The Manager of Electricity of the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) was invited to Cabinet to address the issue of street and community lighting across Antigua and Barbuda.
During the engagement, Cabinet conducted a detailed review of lighting conditions in several communities and identified a number of areas requiring urgent improvement. Particular attention was given to residential districts, roadways, public spaces, and other strategic locations where enhanced lighting is necessary to improve visibility, safety, and overall community well-being.
APUA provided Cabinet with a firm commitment to address the concerns raised and to undertake the required upgrades and repairs in the identified areas. The Authority further informed Cabinet that it possesses the technical capacity, equipment, and resources necessary to complete the work in a timely and efficient manner.
Cabinet welcomed this assurance and formally approved the advancement of the lighting improvement programme, recognizing that adequate street lighting plays a critical role in:
• Enhancing public safety and crime prevention
• Improving road safety for motorists and pedestrians
• Supporting community development and quality of life
• Strengthening national security efforts
The Government has consistently underscored the importance of well-lit communities as part of its broader strategy to create safer neighborhoods and a more secure national environment.
APUA will commence targeted interventions in the identified areas, with priority given to communities where deficiencies were most acute. The works will include installation of new lights, repairs to non-functioning streetlights, replacement of damaged fixtures, and upgrades where necessary.
- Managers of the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) were invited to Cabinet this week to present on the Authority’s ongoing beautification and sanitation efforts across Antigua and Barbuda.During the comprehensive presentation, Cabinet took a close and detailed look at the current state of public spaces, roadways, drains, watercourses, and residential communities. A number of priority problem areas were identified for immediate redress, including illegal dumping, litter accumulation, overgrown trees, excessive shrubbery, and blocked drains.Following the review, Cabinet endorsed intensified clean-up and beautification thrust. Multiple teams have been mobilized, reassigned and assigned to targeted communities to undertake: • Removal of litter and bulky waste • Clearing of overgrown trees, bushes, and shrubbery • Cleaning of drains and watercourses • General enhancement of public spaces and road vergesThis initiative will be executed in collaboration with the Beautification Division of the National Housing Development and Urban Renewal Company and the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA), ensuring a coordinated, multi-agency approach to restoring and maintaining the country’s environmental standards.Cabinet reaffirmed that maintaining a clean and orderly environment remains a central pillar of its governance agenda. Beyond aesthetics, the initiative forms part of a broader national strategy focused on public health, environmental protection, tourism preservation, and national security.Overgrown areas, derelict spaces, and unclean surroundings can pose safety risks, create breeding grounds for pests, obstruct visibility along roadways, and provide concealment for unlawful activity. Cabinet therefore emphasized that beautification and sanitation efforts are not merely cosmetic exercises but are also preventative measures that contribute directly to community safety and national security.The Cabinet is also calling on residents, businesses, and community groups to partner in this national effort by properly disposing of waste, maintaining private properties, and reporting illegal dumping. Enforcement measures will also be strengthened to deter littering and non-compliance.Cabinet remains resolute in its commitment to preserving Antigua and Barbuda as a clean, safe, and welcoming nation for its citizens and visitors alike. The drive will continue in phases, with regular monitoring and follow-up interventions to ensure sustained impact.
- The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has announced that Parliament will convene within the next two weeks to debate and pass the Immigration and Passport (Amendment) Bill, 2026, paving the way for the commencement of a national immigration amnesty programme in the coming month.The proposed amendments to the Immigration and Passport Act, 2014, will be reviewed during next week’s sitting of Cabinet. They are designed to establish a clear legislative framework for the granting of amnesty to eligible individuals who have been residing in Antigua and Barbuda without regularized status, as well as those who narrowly fall short of citizenship qualification requirements due to limited lapses in lawful residency.Under the amended provisions, to be reviewed by Cabinet before going to parliament, persons who lawfully entered Antigua and Barbuda but have resided in the country as undocumented immigrants for four years or more may apply for amnesty during the designated amnesty period, which is proposed to run for three months in the coming months. (April 1, 2026 to June 30, 2026. Proposed)The legislation clearly outlines conditions of ineligibility. Individuals who pose a threat to national security or public safety, who provide false or misleading information, or who are the subject of an active deportation order or international arrest warrant will not qualify for amnesty.Cabinet has emphasized that the amnesty programme is a structured and responsible measure aimed at strengthening immigration compliance, enhancing national security oversight, and providing an orderly pathway to lawful status for qualifying individuals who have demonstrated long-standing ties to Antigua and Barbuda.The Government views the initiative as part of a broader effort to modernize immigration administration, improve record-keeping, and ensure that all residents are properly documented within the legal framework of the State.
- The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has formally commended Antiguan farmer Twin I Payne on his outstanding achievement at the 2026 Agrifest, held in St. Croix, where he secured the top prize for the second consecutive year.
Representing Twin Stod Enterprise, Payne’s back-to-back victory at the premier regional agricultural showcase in the United States Virgin Islands was earned through excellence in the presentation of livestock and crops. His achievement underscores a high standard of agricultural production and consistency, earning recognition across the Caribbean.
Cabinet lauded Payne’s success as a proud moment for Antigua and Barbuda, noting that his performance continues to place the nation firmly on the regional agricultural stage. Members of Cabinet highlighted that his accomplishment reflects dedication, discipline, and innovation in farming, while reinforcing the importance of agriculture to national and regional food security.
In recognition of the costs associated with participating in Agrifest, Cabinet approved a financial contribution to supplement expenses incurred by Payne in attending the event. This support, Cabinet noted, is part of the Government’s broader commitment to encouraging excellence and competitiveness within the agricultural sector.
Cabinet further pledged continued support for Payne and other farmers who represent Antigua and Barbuda at regional and international agricultural events, emphasising that such achievements serve as inspiration to local farmers, particularly youth, and contribute to strengthening resilience and sustainability in food production.
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda remains committed to advancing agricultural development, supporting farmers, and promoting food security as key pillars of national development.
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