REPORT FROM THE CABINET OF ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA
MEETING OF WEDNESDAY 15TH OCTOBER 2025
The prayers before Cabinet were led by a Pastor from the Evangelical Association who read from Proverbs 3: Verses 5-6 which teaches about trusting completely in God rather than relying solely on one’s own understanding or wisdom. It calls on us to place our full confidence in the Lord, seek His guidance in every part of our lives, and not depend only on our own judgment. When we do this sincerely, God will direct our paths — leading us toward what is right and best. It’s a call to faith, humility, and dependence on divine wisdom in all decisions. The pastor prayed for members to trust in God and do right by him.
1. Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Gaston Browne had detailed discussions on the matter of strengthening control measures and framework for revenue collections.
In light of the information provided concerning the unauthorized purchases of vehicles, Cabinet decided that the Ministry of Finance (Financial Secretary) should review the referenced information and determine that where it is demonstrated that there have been unauthorized purchases and other irregularities, restitution for any excesses in payment should be negotiated and settled.
Cabinet also agreed that ALL central government Ministries, Departments and agencies or companies owned by the government shall submit ALL vehicles purchased, owned or assigned to their custody for audit and inspection by the government motor pool on a date to be determined by the Ministry of Works and Transportation.
As matter of policy, Cabinet agreed that all vehicles purchased by the government for use in the conduct of government business must be affixed with the appropriate and approved Licence Plate.
Cabinet also agreed that, with the exception of Parliamentarians, Judges, Magistrates, Director of Public Prosecutions, Supervisor of Elections, Commissioner of Police and Chief of Defence Staff … and any other office expressly approved in writing, ALL government issued vehicles shall be registered and issued with G plates.
2. The Honourable Minister responsible for Utilities provided Cabinet with an update on the ongoing water infrastructure improvement works being carried out by the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA). These works include re-piping projects, the reactivation of reservoirs, and the upgrading of water storage tanks across the island.
The Minister reported the following developments:
- The Lower Buckleys Reservoir, which had been offline for six years, is now back in operation with a storage capacity of approximately 600,000 gallons. This reservoir will support the distribution of water to Swetes, Follys, and Liberta.
- Expansion works are underway at the Pigeon Point and Pattersons Plants to double their production capacity to 500,000 gallons per day, enhancing supply to meet the needs of the growing yachting sector in the area.
- Plans are in place to integrate the Pattersons Reservoir into the overall transmission and distribution system for St. Paul.
- Retail distribution piping works in the Montuella area are scheduled to commence following the completion of re-piping works in Cedar Valley.
- Construction of two new concrete reservoirs is planned for Wink-Eye Hill, New Winthropes, as part of the hydraulic improvement programme on the northern side of the island.
The Minister further informed Cabinet that APUA continues to coordinate with the Ministry of Works on road repair and redevelopment projects, with assessments underway on major roadways, including All Saints Road,from the Townhouse Junction to English Harbour.
The Minister also undertook to present a definitive timeline for APUA’s commencement of re-piping works on All Saints Road before the next meeting of Cabinet.
3. The Honourable Minister for Health briefed Cabinet on developments at the newly opened Tranquility Park Cemetery, following recent heavy rainfall during which more than nine inches of rain fell within a 24-hour period, resulting in significant waterlogging at the site.
The Minister further reported that the St. John’s and Valley Church Cemeteries were also affected by flooding due to the intensity of the rainfall.
In response, the Ministry sought Cabinet’s approval for the installation of a drainage system. The Prime Minister and Cabinet approved the request and directed the Minister to proceed expeditiously with the necessary works to address the challenges identified at the cemetery.
4. The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has agreed to enter into partnership with WOTA Corporation of Japan to advance a national water-security programme centered on decentralized, autonomous water-recycling systems. During a presentation to Cabinet, WOTA outlined its technology capable of purifying and reusing water at the point of use — an innovation that will strengthen resilience to droughts and natural disasters while promoting sustainable management of the country’s limited freshwater resources.
Under the agreement soon to be signed, Antigua and Barbuda will participate in a Joint Proof of Business (PoB) initiative supported by the Government of Japan, involving the deployment of at least 500 WOTA systems across the country. The Ministry of ICT, Utilities and Energy will act as the Executing Agency, providing coordination and oversight, while the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) will serve as the Implementing Agency responsible for installation and operations.
A joint monitoring committee comprising WOTA, the Government of Japan, and local agencies will supervise implementation.
To facilitate the initiative, the Cabinet has agreed to consider a request for a five-year exemption from all taxes and duties on the importation, sale, installation, and maintenance of WOTA systems and components, effective January 1, 2026. This measure aims to encourage broad adoption of the technology while ensuring that communities, schools, and institutions can access reliable, sustainable water solutions at affordable costs
Prime Minister Gaston Browne welcomed the proposed partnership, noting that it reflects Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to innovation, technology transfer, and climate resilience within the framework of Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The collaboration is expected to serve as a regional model, demonstrating how advanced water-recycling systems can enhance self-sufficiency and sustainability across the Caribbean.
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