REPORT FROM THE CABINET OF ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA
MEETING OF WEDNESDAY 1st April 2026
The prayers before Cabinet were based on Psalm 35:18 and Philippians 2:11 and was delivered to Cabinet members prior to the start of the meeting, offering a moment of reflection grounded in the Moravian Christian tradition.
In the meditation, the Pastor encouraged members to embrace a spirit of gratitude and public witness, drawing on the Psalmist’s call to give thanks among the assembly. Cabinet members were reminded that faith is not only personal but should be reflected in service, humility, and a commitment to the common good.
Reference was also made to Philippians 2:11, underscoring the belief that all authority ultimately rests under the lordship of Jesus Christ. The reflection highlighted the importance of humility in leadership and the need for unity, especially in the context of national responsibility.
The meditation further emphasized the value of cultivating good habits, particularly in consistently doing what is right. Members were encouraged to allow acts of kindness, integrity, and compassion to guide their decision-making and interactions.
Prayers were offered for members of the Cabinet, asking for wisdom, discernment, and a spirit of service as they carry out their duties. The nation was also lifted up, with petitions for continued growth, greater love among its people, and unity during the upcoming election period.
The devotion concluded with a call for peace, fairness, and divine guidance throughout the electoral process, while affirming trust in God’s presence and sovereignty over the nation.
1. The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda wishes to inform the public that a Proclamation dissolving Parliament has been officially published in the Gazette as a Statutory Instrument dated March 31, 2026.
The Proclamation was issued by His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams, acting in accordance with Section 60(1) of the Constitution of Antigua and Barbuda and on the advice of Prime Minister Gaston Browne.
With the dissolution of Parliament, all Members of the House of Representatives and the Senate cease to hold their seats, and the country now moves into the general election period in accordance with the laws and Constitution of Antigua and Barbuda. The necessary administrative and electoral processes will now proceed under the direction of the relevant authorities to prepare for the holding of General Elections within the constitutionally prescribed timeframe.
The Cabinet advises that the dissolution of Parliament is a normal constitutional process and marks the end of the current parliamentary term, making way for the people of Antigua and Barbuda to elect a Government.
The public is encouraged to ensure that they are properly registered and that their voter identification cards are in order in preparation for the upcoming General Elections.
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda remains committed to ensuring that the electoral process is conducted in a free, fair, transparent, and orderly manner in keeping with the country’s democratic traditions.
2. The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has taken another significant step toward empowering citizens through land ownership with the release of 50 acres of land in the MacPond area of All Saints under its expanded Land Empowerment Programme.
The lands, recently transferred to the Crown from the House Antigua project, are now being made available for purchase through the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHAPA). This initiative forms part of the Government’s ongoing commitment to increasing access to affordable land and housing for Antiguans and Barbudans.
The Land Empowerment Programme was specifically designed to provide opportunities for low- and middle-income earners, particularly first-time landowners, to access residential plots at affordable rates, thereby promoting social mobility and economic inclusion.
Under this latest initiative:
- 35 acres have been made available for immediate sale as residential house plots.
- Plots will average approximately 6,000 square feet and are priced at $3 per square foot.
- Qualified applicants will have the opportunity to purchase land over a 10-year period, with monthly payments starting as low as $175, making homeownership more accessible than ever before.In addition, the Government has taken steps to regularize land tenure for long-standing occupants in the area:
- The remaining 15 acres, currently occupied by residents, will be made available at a highly concessional rate of $1 per square foot.
- This special provision applies to individuals who have occupied the lands for more than 20 years, ensuring security of tenure and recognizing longstanding community ties.This initiative aligns with broader national housing and land development strategies being implemented through CHAPA, including the construction of affordable homes and the redevelopment of lands into serviced residential communities. These programmes are part of a wider effort to expand access to housing, strengthen communities, and support sustainable national development. The Government reaffirms its commitment to ensuring that every Antiguan and Barbudan has a fair opportunity to own land and build a home. By making land more affordable and accessible, the administration continues to invest in people, communities, and the long-term prosperity of the nation.Interested persons are encouraged to apply through CHAPA and take advantage of this opportunity to secure a place in one of the country’s newest and most promising residential developments. (Ends)
3. The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has announced that, as a matter of policy, Cabinet has approved the waiver of all arrears for residents who have been disconnected from electricity, water, or landline telephone services for over 180 days.
This decision aims to provide relief to households facing financial challenges and ensure access to essential services for all citizens. The measure reflects the Government’s commitment to social welfare and support for residents who have been affected by long-term service interruptions.
Affected residents are encouraged to contact the Antigua Public Utilities Authority to arrange reconnection without the burden of accumulated arrears. Cabinet emphasizes that this initiative is part of broader efforts to ease the cost of living and ensure essential services are accessible to every household in the country.
The Government urges all residents affected to take advantage of this opportunity and welcomes the public’s cooperation in implementing this policy efficiently.
4. The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda on Wednesday approved important measures to strengthen its ongoing efforts to improve housing conditions for vulnerable and low‑income households across the nation.
Cabinet has approved the importation of a new shipment of essential building materials scheduled to arrive in Antigua and Barbuda in two weeks’ time. This shipment will directly support the Government’s housing assistance programme, which provides building materials to less fortunate households to address critical needs such as roof repairs, structural improvements, and replacement of rotting boards and leaks — ensuring that residents live in homes free from deterioration and unsafe conditions.
The programme has already begun island‑wide distributions of lumber and other building supplies to eligible homeowners, including seniors, persons with disabilities and families facing economic hardships, as part of the Government’s social intervention aimed at upgrading the housing stock and enhancing residential livingstandards.
In line with Cabinet’s decision, the Government is also expanding support for home construction and improvement. Under this expanded measure, the Government will offer a waiver on all duties and taxes on all building materials to include blocks and cement up to a total value of $100,000. This extension of the duty waiver programme will further reduce the cost of building and renovation materials for homeowners and builders.
The Government believes these actions are fully aligned with its policy objectives to ensure that every citizen has access to safe, durable, and dignified housing. By facilitating the availability of quality materials and financial relief, the Administration remains committed to lifting housing standards, fostering community resilience, and empowering citizens to maintain and build their homes to modern and sustainable standards.
5. The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has been updated on the ongoing disbursement of retroactive payments to public servants, as well as the status of outstanding payments relating to teacher upgrades.
Cabinet was informed that the Treasury Department of Antigua and Barbuda has commenced the final disbursement of retroactive pay covering the period January 2018 to December 2023. Payments are being processed in phases and issued via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) as final amounts are verified by Ministries and Departments.
To date, several government departments have already received payments under Phase One, with total disbursements exceeding EC$4.6 million, excluding payments still in progress for certain offices. In keeping with Cabinet’s decision, no statutory deductions have been applied to these retroactive payments.
Cabinet further noted that payments are being executed on a rolling basis, with additional tranches to be released as verification processes are completed.
Importantly, Cabinet was advised that the Treasury is also actively finalizing the balance of payments for teacher upgrades, which remain outstanding. These payments are being prioritized, with the Treasury aiming to issue the outstanding sums by the end of today Thursday, once all final checks are completed.
The update also highlighted that provisions have been made for eligible individuals who are no longer in the public service to receive their payments upon submission of the required information to the Treasury.
Cabinet welcomed the progress made thus far and commended the Treasury Department for its continued efforts to ensure timely and accurate disbursement. The Government reaffirmed its commitment to meeting its obligations to public servants and ensuring that all outstanding payments are settled in a transparent and efficient manner.
The public is encouraged to follow official notices from the Treasury Department for further updates regarding subsequent phases of payments.
6. The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has acknowledged the urgent need to address the high cost of air travel between Antigua and Barbuda, following a presentation by newly appointed Caretaker for Barbuda on behalf of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party, Mr. Kendra Beazer.
Mr. Beazer’s presentation highlighted the growing financial burden faced by residents and travelers due to increased airfare costs on the Antigua–Barbuda route. Recent developments have seen significant fare increases, with limited transportation alternatives contributing to the challenge and impacting both residents and the local economy.
In response, Cabinet agreed that the matter requires immediate and meaningful intervention. Members recognized that affordable and reliable transportation between the sister islands is essential for economic activity, access to healthcare, and the overall well-being of Barbudans.
Cabinet has approved a subsidy of $50,000 per month to reduce airfare costs between Antigua and Barbuda. This initiative is expected to provide much-needed relief to residents and ensure greater accessibility and mobility.
Mr. Beazer has been advised to meet with the relevant agencies to devise the structure and implementation of the subsidy.
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda remains committed to ensuring equitable access to transportation and addressing the concerns of all citizens, particularly those in Barbuda who depend heavily on affordable travel between the islands.
7. The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has been informed by Prime Minister Gaston Browne of the signing of a Letter of Intent between the Government of Antigua and Barbuda and the Collectivité of Saint-Martin aimed at strengthening regional air connectivity.
The agreement, signed on April 1, 2026, in Antigua, reflects a shared commitment between Antigua and Barbuda and Saint-Martin to enhance air transport links within the Eastern Caribbean. The Prime Minister emphasized that improved connectivity is critical to advancing regional integration, boosting tourism, and facilitating greater economic exchange among Caribbean states.
Cabinet was advised that both territories are strategically positioned as key aviation gateways within the Eastern Caribbean, and the initiative seeks to leverage this advantage to expand travel options, improve mobility, and create new opportunities for collaboration across the region.
The Letter of Intent outlines a framework for continued dialogue and cooperation among relevant stakeholders, including airports, tourism authorities, and regional air carriers, with the goal of developing more efficient and reliable air links.
Prime Minister Browne noted that while the agreement is not legally binding, it represents an important step toward deepening bilateral relations and fostering long-term, mutually beneficial cooperation. The agreement was also signed by President of the Territorial Council, Louis Mussington on behalf of Saint-Martin.
Cabinet welcomed the initiative and acknowledged its potential to contribute to sustainable tourism development, economic growth, and enhanced regional connectivity across the Caribbean.
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda remains committed to pursuing strategic partnerships that strengthen the country’s position as a leading hub for travel and commerce in the region.
8. Cabinet on Wednesday, April 1, observed the historical moment, eleven years ago, since Prime Minister Gaston Browne signed the agreement transferring ownership of the West Indies Oil Company Limited to the people of Antigua and Barbuda — an historic decision that has since proven to be one of the most transformative economic policy initiatives in the country’s modern history and a demonstration of the visionary leadership abilities of Prime Minister Gaston Browne.
Since 2015, the West Indies Oil Company (WIOC) has experienced significant growth and expansion, generating more than EC$230 million in profits while investing approximately EC$270 million in capital development and infrastructure. These investments have strengthened the country’s energy infrastructure, expanded storage capacity, improved distribution networks, and positioned Antigua and Barbuda as an increasingly important fuel transshipment and storage hub in the Eastern Caribbean.
Importantly, WIOC became the first publicly listed Antiguan company on the Eastern Caribbean Securities Exchange in 2022, allowing Antiguans and Barbudans to directly own shares in the company and benefit from dividends and capital growth. This move represented a major step in democratizing wealth and expanding local participation in national assets.
Over the years, WIOC has undertaken and continues to undertake major infrastructure upgrades, including rehabilitation of its Sea Island Jetty, installation of new pipelines, expansion of tank storage capacity, and improvements to its retail service station network. These investments are expected to improve efficiency, increase tanker traffic, reduce fuel import costs per unit, and generate additional revenue through increased port and ancillary services.
The company is also expanding its footprint beyond Antigua and Barbuda, with business development opportunities being explored across the Caribbean, including markets such as Guyana and Suriname. At the same time, WIOC continues to grow its local operations through increased fuel sales to new hotels, restaurants, housing developments, and marina projects, supporting the country’s broader economic expansion.
In addition to traditional energy services, WIOC is positioning itself to invest in the renewable energy sector, helping Antigua and Barbuda transition toward a more sustainable energy future while maintaining energy security.
The decision taken eleven years ago to transfer ownership of WIOC to the people of Antigua and Barbuda has not only strengthened the company but has also created opportunities for national wealth creation, employment, local investment, and economic diversification. Today, WIOC stands as a strong, profitable, and expanding national asset — truly owned by the people and working for the people.
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda reaffirms its commitment to policies that empower citizens, expand local ownership of national assets, and build long-term economic resilience for present and future generations.
9. The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has approved the naming of a street in Freeman’s Village in honour of the late Mr. Christopher Neville Browne, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to community life and the labour movement.
The decision follows a presentation to Cabinet by the Honourable Anthony Smith, Parliamentary Representative for All Saints, who highlighted Mr. Browne’s lifelong dedication to national development and grassroots engagement.
Born on October 29, 1922, Mr. Browne was one of the nation’s oldest citizens and a proud son of Freeman’s Village. He was a committed trade unionist and an active member of the Antigua Trades and Labour Union (AT&LU), consistently participating in Labour Day activities and advocating for workers’ rights throughout his life.
Mr. Browne was also recognized for his cultural significance, having been featured in the Antigua Day documentary hosted at the Precision Centre. His legacy of service, resilience, and community pride has left an indelible mark on those who knew him and the wider national community.
At his 101st birthday celebration, a recommendation was made by Sir Clare Roberts for the road on which he resided to be named in his honour. Cabinet’s decision brings this long-standing proposal to fruition.
The street will be officially designated “Christopher Neville Browne Road.”
The Government extends its deepest condolences to the Browne family and expresses its gratitude for Mr. Browne’s invaluable contributions to Antigua and Barbuda.
Further details regarding the official naming ceremony will be announced in due course.
(My Closing Comments at Press Briefing)
Today I close with an important statement from the Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda:
As Antigua and Barbuda reflects on the remarkable progress achieved over the past twelve years, it is evident that this period of exceptional growth has been guided by strong, visionary, and decisive leadership at the highest level. Prime Minister Gaston Browne’s steady hand, strategic foresight, and his team’s unwavering commitment to national development have positioned our nation as a resilient and forward-moving small state, capable of navigating uncertainty while delivering tangible results for our people.
In a time of unprecedented global challenges—where small developing states like ours face economic volatility, climate threats, and shifting geopolitical realities—the importance of experienced, focused, and transformational leadership cannot be overstated. Now, more than ever, Antigua and Barbuda must remain anchored by a government that is resilient, innovative, and prepared to safeguard our gains while driving even greater economic expansion.
The Cabinet believes that this is a defining moment for every citizen. The responsibility to vote is not only a civic duty but a powerful opportunity to continue shaping the future of our nation. Let us rise to the occasion and participate fully in the democratic process, choosing leadership that is strong, capable, and committed to continued growth and prosperity.
The Cabinet believes that Now is the time to focus on leadership that delivers—leadership that can guide Antigua and Barbuda to even greater heights of economic strength, stability, and national development.
The Cabinet urges you to get your cards validated and get ready to proceed with focus and a shared commitment to advancing the work of the Gaston Browne government for the benefit of all of Antigua and Barbuda.
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