CABINET NOTES of Wednesday 12 July 2023

6
Hurst

HURST REPORTS ON CABINET of Wednesday 12 July 2023

The Cabinet commenced its meeting with prayers. The Cabinet enquired of the burn victim from the Burma Quarry who has been hospitalized since the accident a week ago. The Sir Lester Bird Medical Center (SLBMC) has been treating him since he received the burns from explosive residue in a box. He is still being cared-for at the hospital; a request has been made to send the burn victim abroad. The Cabinet was advised that the treatment being received in Antigua is as good as any treatment to be received abroad, at this stage.

  1. REDACTED.

 

  1. The Principal of the University of the West Indies (UWI) at Five Islands paid a farewell visit to Cabinet as he prepares to return to the UWI Campus Mona. Prime Minister Browne thanked the principal for his outstanding service to the UWI Five Islands Campus; taking the UWI through a period of transition is highly appreciated, the Prime Minister noted, and applauded the outgoing principal for his outstanding leadership. The outgoing principal, the Prime Minister noted, is a great Caribbean talent. He thanked the principal for the outstanding work and achievements on behalf of UWI, and for placing the institution in a tremendously competitive space.

Several Ministers took the opportunity to express their thanks to the outgoing Principal. He responded by assuring the Cabinet that the UWI Campus at Five Islands is an outstanding achievement and thanked the Government for this effort. The outgoing Principal remarked that the build-out of the UWI Five Islands Campus would inure to the benefit of Antigua and Barbuda and other Eastern Caribbean countries which UWI serves. The campus, in the post-Covid era, exceeds 1,000 students though it was first constructed to fit 800 students. The human capital development which has characterized UWI will be reflected in the achievements of the growing student population. He praised the Government of Antigua and Barbuda for its valiant efforts and for the support to UWI which can only empower the people whom the campus will continue to serve.

 

  1. The Cabinet invited four members of the Digital Transformation Team to address the body and to share their plans for transforming all of government to a digital upgraded platform. The cost of various systems was shared, and the amount spent thus far to upgrade necessary elements of the government’s digital network was revealed. It was agreed that modernization of the network would require new hardware and software, and that the cost of so doing would exceed several million dollars. The Cabinet acknowledged that upgrades were necessary; however, given the fiscal constraints at this time, the complete overhaul would have to be carried out in stages. The Cyber Security Director acknowledged the need to act, and also acknowledged the constraints posed by resource challenges. There was an agreement to carry out the improvements in stages.
  2. The Cabinet received a report on the Grade Six National Assessment Exam which is utilized to determine the best 100 performing students and where to place the same; and, placements for all other students taking the Exam. The results were published in at least one newspaper of today, Wednesday, 12 July 2023, and thus made public for all to see. The Antigua Grammar School, the Antigua Girls High School, the Sir Novel Richards Academy are among the most sought-after schools by students and parents.
  3. The Parliament of Antigua and Barbuda will convene on Tuesday 25th July to consider several items that are of pressing concern. The Senate will convene shortly thereafter.
  4. The Embassy of the United States is hosting a reception at Jumby Bay on the afternoon of Wednesday 12th July, to celebrate 247 years of USA’s Independence. There is wide expectation that the US Embassy will announce where the two other visa-issuing US Consulates will be placed in the Caribbean.

 

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6 COMMENTS

  1. This cabinet is a joke! First of all, WHO determined that the burn victim was receiving care that was ‘As Good AS Treatment Received Abroad?’ The only way that is possible is if we have a burn unit here which we do not! He is not receiving appropriate care and has extensive burns all over. For Shame!
    Secondly, wasn’t the Alfanero also discussed? When will the funds be coming? The cabinet owes us an explanation. This is starting to turn into a big mess!

    • Question:

      Are ABLP supporters incapable of clear and coherent writing, or can they only deal in damn foolish soundbites that show their ignorance?

      NO WONDER GASTON BROWNE 🥸 WIN 3 TERMS IN OFFICE – NO WONDER HE LAUGHING ALL THE WAY TO THE BANK … 🏦

  3. We are being told the burn victim is able to get his medical needs met here in Antigua.
    We know that ain’t so.
    WHERE IS CUTIE BENJAMIN?

  4. It appears that the focus of the grade 6 report was just to see where to place the top 100 students. I am wondering if any analysis was done regarding the performance of the government schools compared to some private schools. Why some of the government school may have 1 or no students in the top 100 and one private school has 14? Actually 2 private schools took 25% of the top 100 spots.

    Should a study be done to see what is the issue within the government schools and to see what can be done to improve the situation? Most of the primary schoold students would not get into the most sought after schools.

  5. @JBF
    I agree with you. Interesting
    you may have missed Cabinet Member Chet Greene statement that we have among the finest educational programs, and our people have gone in to do quite well.

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