CABINET NOTES: September 17, 2025

REPORT FROM THE CABINET OF ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA
MEETING OF WEDNESDAY 17th  September 2025

The prayers before Cabinet were led by a Pastor from the Zion Church of God, who read from 1 Chronicles 4 Verses 9-10 – The story of Jabez.

Jabez is described as a man more honorable than his brothers. His mother named him “Jabez” (meaning “pain/sorrow”) because of the circumstances of his birth. Despite this, Jabez prayed earnestly to God, asking for blessing, for his territory to be enlarged, for God’s hand to be with him, and for protection from harm so that he would not cause pain. God granted his request.  The Pastor summarized the passage by outlining that Jabez, though born in sorrow, sought God’s favor through prayer, and God answered him—making him an example of how faith and prayer can transform one’s destiny.  The Pastor encouraged members to pray and wait upon the Heavenly Father as their Harvest will come.

1.     “The Future is Bright for Antigua and Barbuda” was the good news received by the Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Gaston Browne during a presentation of a report from the Fiscal Resilience Oversight Committee (FROC) Chaired by Attorney and Former Minister for Finance in the Opposition United Progressive Party Administration of 2004, Dr. L. Errol Cort.

The Fiscal Resilience Oversight Committee (FROC) provides independent monitoring and oversight of the Government’s compliance with fiscal rules and targets set out in the Fiscal Resilience guidelines approved in 2021.

            The main functions of the FROC are:

1. Review fiscal performance: Assess government revenues, expenditures, deficits, debt levels, and adherence to fiscal resilience principles.
2. Report to Parliament: Submit periodic reports on whether government finances are being managed in line with the law.
3. Promote transparency: Ensure fiscal policy decisions are clear, accountable, and sustainable.
4. Advise on corrective action: Highlight risks or breaches and recommend adjustments.

A copy of the Report was presented to Prime Minister Browne, with the Cabinet agreeing to have it tabled during the next sitting of Parliament accompanied by a Resolution for debate.

A number of Positive Results & Turnaround were reported by the Deputy Chair of the FROC, Professor Justin Robinson of the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus:

• GDP Growth: ~6% growth, strongest in the Caribbean. (Excluding Guyana) 
• Inflation: Eased to approximately 5–6%.
• Fiscal Balance: Swing from EC$‑91.9M (deficit, 2023) to EC$+86.4M (surplus, 2024) — improvement of EC$178.3M (≈ EC$1,900 per capita).
• Debt: Debt‑to‑GDP ~62.3%, within touching distance of the ECCB 60% anchor.
• Primary Balance: Primary surplus recorded — first since 2016, reversing a long pattern of primary deficits.
• Jobs: ~49,000 jobs cited in the labor market.

Some of the Qualifiers & Risks reported include:

• One‑off revenue: A notable non‑recurring item (e.g., sale of the Alpha Nero) boosted Financial Year revenue; not expected annually.
• Sticky expenditures: Wages and pensions limit rapid expenditure compression; require medium‑term discipline.
• External headwinds: Climate shocks; potential U.S. slowdown affecting tourism; narrow production base.

As it pertains to Governance & Transparency, the FROC advised Cabinet to:

• Maintain focus on primary balance target (≥ 1.5–2.0% of GDP).
• Acknowledge ECCB 60% debt guide; 65–70% may be manageable if capacity‑to‑pay remains strong and primary surpluses persist.

In concluding, the FROC listed as suggested Immediate Follow‑Ups:

1. Task MoF to table a Debt Operations Note (swaps, reprofiling, amortizing pilots, rating pathway).
2. Commission Property‑Tax Options and a Blue‑Carbon Roadmap (nationwide seagrass/sea‑bed assessment; partner outreach).
3. Approve a Performance‑Linked Pay and Needs‑Testing framework.
4. Adopt an Arrears Clearance Policy (eligibility, verification, settlement modality).
5. Institutionalize semi‑annual FROC reporting and public briefings.

The Cabinet commended the team for its work and says that it looks forward to more frequent updates.

2.     The Financial Secretary and her team also took the opportunity to update Cabinet on current macro-fiscal conditions, outcomes from the recent IMF staff visit (September 8–12), and key milestones for preparation of the 2026 National Budget scheduled for 4^th December 2025. 

Headline indicators presented to Cabinet show a steady macro environment. The National Bureau of Statistics revised estimate for 2024 real GDP growth is 3.7%, with 2.5% projected for 2025–2026; ECLAC’s outturn for 2024 is 4.3%. Tax revenue for 2025 is projected in the 18.5–19% of GDP range, alongside continued strengthening in the financial sector (bank NPLs below 5% at end-2024;  credit unions 6.7% in Q2 2025). The IMF Article IV consultation is being scheduled for January 2026. 

Inflationary pressures remain subdued. The Consumer Price Index fell 1.2% year-on-year to April 2025, with notable declines in transport (-16.2%)—driven by a 41.8% drop in UK airfares—and easing in furnishings (-5.5%) and recreation (-5.1%). Core CPI (excluding food and energy) declined 1.9%. 

Cabinet also noted sectoral trends for 2024: strongest growth in accommodation & food (+14.2%), transport & storage (+10.1%), public administration/defence/social security (+12.4%), and manufacturing (+6.5%); with contractions in construction/mining (-7.3%) and wholesale/retail (-2.3%). 

Key fiscal operations and policy updates included:

• Waiver discipline: the standing Cabinet cap on discretionary waivers at EC$5M per month remains in force. 
• Teachers’ reclassification payments: total disbursed EC$5.86M (FY2024 EC$3.74M to 1,236 teachers; FY2025 EC$2.11M to 1,359 teachers). 
• 2025 financing plan: EC$55.8M in new money; indicative market rates—T-Bills 3%, 5-year 6%, 7-year 7%. 

The Financial Secretary and her team were commended for their hard work.

3.     Comptroller of Customs, Mr. Raju Boddu was invited to Cabinet to provide a brief on a proposal to implement a national single window for customs and trade, fully integrating all stakeholder systems so businesses and customers can transact online in real time. A company supporting capacity-building presented a demonstration of the vendor’s customs management and single-window solutions, which reportedly impressed local teams. The matter is now elevated to Cabinet for guidance and direction. 

The Single Window System for Customs is a modern trade-facilitation platform that allows traders, importers, and exporters to submit all required regulatory documents and information through one digital entry point instead of having to interact separately with multiple government agencies.

Key features reported to Cabinet include:

• One submission, multiple clearances: Traders upload permits, licenses, invoices, and certificates once, and the system shares them with all relevant authorities (customs, port, agriculture, health, standards, etc.).
• Inter-agency integration: Customs, port authorities, ministries, and inspection bodies are digitally linked, reducing duplication and delays.
• Real-time processing: Automated checks and data exchange speed up risk assessment and decision-making.
• Transparency: Traders can track the status of their applications and shipments.
• Paperless trade: Most systems are designed to be fully electronic, minimizing physical paperwork.

Following the briefing, 

• Cabinet appointed a Cabinet-level steering group (Customs, Ports, Trade, Finance, ICT) to review the presentation and advise on the best possible options;
• Commissioned a short feasibility & due-diligence note (scope, costs, legal changes, data governance, phased rollout).
• Instructed the Ministry of Legal Affairs to map required legislative/regulatory updates for a single window (electronic documents, risk management, data sharing). 
• Engage other companies involved in the provision of Single Window support.

4.     The Cabinet engaged in detailed discussions on matters of national safety and security, reaffirming that while Antigua and Barbuda continues to enjoy a relatively low crime rate, the recent killing of a local businessman has underscored the need for constant vigilance and proactive measures.

The Prime Minister, together with the Minister for Public Safety, the Hon. Sir Steadroy Benjamin, and the Minister responsible for ICTs, provided updates on efforts to strengthen the country’s surveillance and monitoring systems as a means of safeguarding citizens.

Cabinet recalled its earlier decision to waive all duties and taxes on surveillance systems, making it easier for homeowners, businesses, and community groups to invest in security equipment to protect their families, properties, and neighborhoods.

It was further noted that in preparation for hosting the SIDS and OAS Conferences, the Government successfully upgraded the national surveillance system, demonstrating its capacity to protect residents and visitors alike.

The second phase of the Centralized Surveillance System—which includes the installation of an additional 200 cameras—is now being finalized, adding to the 150 cameras already in operation. This initiative brings the Government closer to achieving island-wide coverage, enhancing deterrence and improving the ability of law enforcement to respond quickly to incidents.

In addition, Cabinet instructed the Ministries of Public Safety and ICTs to prepare options for the procurement of mobile surveillance vehicles, which will strengthen the capacity of security forces to monitor public spaces and protect communities in real time.

Through these measures, Cabinet reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to public safety, community protection, and crime prevention across Antigua and Barbuda.

5.     Prime Minister Gaston Browne and his Cabinet took the opportunity to congratulate the Hon. Minister for Education, Daryl Matthew  on the successful launch of the Antigua & Barbuda College of Advanced Studies (ABCAS)—a landmark reform of the country’s post-secondary sector. 

Prime Minister says the Hon. Daryll Matthew’s leadership in bringing ABCAS from legislation to operational reality has advanced a national priority: modern, accessible, and integrated tertiary education for every Antiguan and Barbudan.

By consolidating the  post-secondary institutions under a single umbrella, ABCAS creates a seamless pathway from certificates to bachelor’s degrees, modernizes governance, and positions the country to scale quality and relevance in teaching and training. This transformation—more than a rebrand—represents the metamorphosis of the system to meet today’s needs and tomorrow’s opportunities.

The Cabinet also commended the teams across the Ministry of Education, ABCAS leadership, faculty and staff of the legacy institutions, and partners who contributed to the milestone. 

 

6.     The Cabinet reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the people of Antigua and Barbuda, particularly those on the lower economic scale, enjoy access to affordable and dignified housing—an essential pillar of national pride and social progress. To this end, Cabinet agreed to fast-track plans for the construction of homes in Jennings, Belmont, and other areas across the nation.

As part of its ongoing efforts to uplift communities, Cabinet agreed to provide additional assistance to the HAPPI Programme, in supporting the construction and repair of homes for the less fortunate. This initiative reflects the Government’s dedication to strengthening families, building resilient communities, and fostering a sense of national unity.

Cabinet also commended the Minister for Works for advancing the nation’s beautification agenda through the planting of trees along highways and the acquisition of five miles of guard rails to enhance safety and aesthetics. Ministries were further encouraged to continue this greening effort, in collaboration with the Urban Renewal Ministry, by expanding tree planting initiatives that will enrich the natural beauty of Antigua and Barbuda for generations to come.

In the spirit of national pride and sustainable living, Cabinet endorsed the upcoming Backyard Garden Competitionset for launch on October 16, and directed the Minister for Agriculture to broaden the programme to include a School Gardens Competition and an Institutions Competition, each with attractive monetary prizes. These initiatives aim to instill environmental stewardship, strengthen food security, and beautify our communities while showcasing the creativity and pride of our citizens.

Through these combined actions, Cabinet signaled its unwavering commitment to a future where every citizen can enjoy not only affordable housing but also a cleaner, greener, and more beautiful Antigua and Barbuda.

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