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REPORT FROM THE CABINET OF ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA
MEETING OF WEDNESDAY 10th September 2025
The prayers before Cabinet were led by a Pastor from the Zion Church of God, who read from Psalm 1. This passage emphasizes that true blessing comes from delighting in God’s Word, which provides stability and fruitfulness, while rejecting the fleeting and unstable path of the wicked that leads only to ruin.
It also reminds us that a blessed life is not determined by circumstances, but by where we are rooted. The righteous thrive because they are grounded in God’s Word.
Continuing the theme of time introduced last week, the Pastor encouraged Cabinet to exercise patience in their well-doing and to recognize the importance of how they manage and utilize their time.
He prayed that the Heavenly Father would help them to delight in His Word daily, to be firmly planted by His streams of living water, and to live lives that bear fruit which glorifies Him.
Procurement of Specialized Excavator to Advance National Dredging Operations
- The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda was advised, via video link from Holland, that a government delegation successfully procured a Caterpillar 6015 Excavator with attachments — including the Xcentric Ripper XR80 and Quick Coupler — at a cost of €1.1 million.
This acquisition follows Cabinet’s decision last week to approve a strategic partnership between the Antigua and Barbuda Port Authority, the Ministry of Works, and the Blue Ocean Dredging Company to secure specialized dredging equipment. The initiative directly addresses long-standing challenges at St. John’s Harbour and Crabbs Harbour, where significant dredging work remains outstanding.
The delegation to Europe — comprising the Port Manager, the Manager of Blue Ocean Dredging, an engineer from the Ministry of Works, and Cabinet Minister Hon. Rawdon Turner — reported to Cabinet from Holland, confirming the successful procurement of the equipment.
This modern excavator, which will remain the property of the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, will significantly expand the capacity of Blue Ocean Dredging, supporting:
- Maintenance dredging at St. John’s Harbour, including the cruise terminal, cargo terminal, and fisheries complex.
- Beach replenishment projects across Antigua and Barbuda.
- Sand mining to support the construction industry.
- The extension of dredging services to regional markets.
The Cabinet welcomed this development as a landmark step toward enhancing the nation’s maritime infrastructure, strengthening the tourism product, and creating new economic opportunities in the regional market.
2. Presentation by the Attorney General on Crime Statistics
The Cabinet received a comprehensive report from the Attorney General on crime statistics for the period 1st January to 31st August 2025, with comparative data from 2024. The report was prepared by the Criminal Records Office of the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda.
a. General Crime Trends
• A total of 2,163 offences were recorded between January and August 2025, compared to 2,533 offences in the same period of 2024.
• This represents a net decrease of 370 cases or 14.6%, reflecting an overall decline in crime levels.
b. Offences showing decreases:
• Breaking and Larceny: 600 → 487 (↓113)
• Larceny: 771 → 659 (↓112)
• Malicious Damage: 367 → 288 (↓79)
• Unlawful Sexual Intercourse: 16 → 8 (↓8)
c. Offences showing increases:
• Aggravated Robbery: 27 → 40 (↑13)
• Attempted Robbery: 7 → 12 (↑5)
• Sacrilege: 17 → 24 (↑7)
d. Robbery (general): declined from 103 → 72 (↓31).
e. Crimes Against Tourists
• For the year 2024, a total of 44 incidents were reported against tourists.
• For the period January–August 2025, there have been 23 incidents.
• The main offences were breaking, burglary, larceny, and robbery.
This indicates a decline in tourist-related crime, though property crimes remain the
The most common risk.
f. Firearms and Ammunition Arrests
Between January and August 2025:
• 43 individuals arrested for firearm and ammunition offences (36 males, 4 females, 3 juveniles).
• 25 firearms seized, including 2 rifles, 5 modified flare guns, and 2 modified nail guns.
• 286 rounds of ammunition recovered.
• 16 convictions secured to date for firearms and ammunition offences.
The Cabinet:
1. Commended the Attorney General, the Police Commissioner and the Police Force for their effective enforcement measures, which have resulted in a measurable decline in overall crime.
2. Noted with concern the slight increase in aggravated and attempted robberies, and directed that law enforcement strategies continue to focus on violent crime reduction.
3. Welcomed the reduction in crimes against tourists, recognizing the importance of maintaining Antigua and Barbuda’s reputation as a safe and secure destination.
4. Praised the firearm seizures and convictions, underscoring the Government’s commitment to removing illegal weapons from circulation.
5. Reaffirmed its continued support for the Royal Police Force through resources, training, and legislation, to ensure public safety and national security.
3. Prime Minister Reports on Participation at the 2nd Africa–CARICOM Summit
The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda was apprised by Prime Minister the Honourable Gaston Browne of his recent participation in theSecond Africa–CARICOM Summit, held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The Prime Minister reported that the Summit provided an important platform for strengthening ties between Africa and the Caribbean in areas of trade, investment, education, and cultural exchange. He emphasized the urgent need to expand trade and investment flows, particularly in tourism, agriculture, technology, and finance, in order to generate sustainable growth for both regions.
Prime Minister Browne highlighted the value of university-level cooperation, proposing student exchange programmes and joint research initiatives to deepen cultural and academic linkages.
A central issue raised was that of connectivity. The Prime Minister underscored the pressing need for reliable and affordable direct flights between Africa and the Caribbean, recommending that CARICOM states collaborate to subsidize these routes to remove barriers to movement, tourism, and trade.
The Prime Minister also reaffirmed Antigua and Barbuda’s leadership in the reparations movement, urging African and Caribbean leaders to intensify advocacy for reparatory justice, and to press for frameworks that deliver tangible benefits in education, health, technology, and climate resilience.
The Cabinet welcomed the report and reaffirmed Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to deepening Africa–CARICOM relations, strengthening global advocacy for reparations, and pursuing sustainable connectivity that bridges the two regions.
4. Cabinet Commits to Advancing the Transformation and Strategic Agenda of the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force
The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda, led by Prime Minister the Honourable Gaston Browne, visited the Headquarters of the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF) to receive a comprehensive briefing on the Transformation and Strategic Agenda of the Force. The presentation was delivered by Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier Telbert Benjamin, who outlined a multi-year programme of modernization, resilience-building, and expanded national service.
The Prime Minister and Members of Cabinet commended the Defence Force for its forward-looking vision to strengthen security operations, improve disaster response, and support national development.
Key Approvals
Following the briefing, Cabinet approved a series of major investments to accelerate the ABDF’s transformation:
- Medical Evacuation and Repatriation Services — Formalization and budgeting of dedicated services, valued at approximatelyUS$100,000 annually.
- Communications and Radar Systems — US$1 million approved to advance Phases 2 and 3, strengthening maritime surveillance and national security.
- Food Security Projects — Allocation ofUS$360,000 for livestock and fisheries initiatives aimed at enhancing national resilience.
- Interim Patrol Vessel — Approval of a US$1.2 million lease for a vessel to bolster maritime operations until a permanent asset is secured.
- Coast Guard Headquarters — Confirmation ofCamp Blizzard as the designated headquarters site for the Coast Guard.
- Human Capital Development — Continued investment in scholarships and training programmes for ABDF personnel to strengthen leadership, technical skills, and professional capacity.
These measures reflect Cabinet’s recognition of the ABDF as a critical institution for national defence, disaster preparedness, and socio-economic development. The Defence Force plays a central role in safeguarding maritime borders, supporting regional security initiatives, and contributing to national resilience through programmes in agriculture, fisheries, and youth empowerment.
Prime Minister Browne emphasized that these investments represent a strategic commitment to equipping the ABDF with the tools, training, and infrastructure required to meet evolving national and regional challenges.
Quotation from the Prime Minister: Our Defence Force is not only a shield for our sovereignty, but also a partner in building resilience, advancing food security, and preparing our young people for leadership. These investments will ensure that the ABDF continues to serve our nation with strength and excellence. The ABDF is now an avenue for our young people to develop a career and advance themselves educationally and also contribute significantly to our employment rate.
Conclusion
The Cabinet reaffirmed its full support for the Defence Force’s Transformation and Strategic Agenda and pledged to continue investing in the modernization and professional development of the ABDF in order to secure a safer, more resilient Antigua and Barbuda.
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So nothing about the Dr at Clarevue that the pompous minister places on administrative leave
That’s heavy on the eyes. Can you guys singke the important stuff out? What happened to the reading app? You guys deleted it? That was important I could drive and listen
Nice work ANR because I sent something about your favourite boy Maurice Merchant that you didn’t like you did not carry it
On the crime statistics Mr Attorney General, how about telling us where we are as far as the gruesome murders of the two young females and in my book the biggest Bull-Shit ever laid down on a family, what in the world is going on with Shantel result? also if you may, some insight please on how a national of this country disappeared/missing without a trace for over thirty years, all of a sudden showed up on the radar, return home with your assistance and still to this day no real media briefing.