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REPORT FROM THE CABINET OF ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA
MEETING OF WEDNESDAY 26th NOVEMBER 2025
The prayers before Cabinet were led by a Pastor from the Evangelical Association who focused his meditation and prayer on Psalm 19 which reminds us that God is always speaking—sometimes in ways we expect, and sometimes in ways we overlook.
The psalm opens with creation itself proclaiming God’s glory. The sky doesn’t argue, explain, or persuade; it simply is, and its beauty quietly testifies to the One who made it. There’s an invitation here: slow down. Lift our eyes. Let the world around remind us that we are surrounded by the fingerprints of God.
Then the psalm shifts to God’s Word—steadfast, trustworthy, restoring the soul. It brings clarity when our minds feel cloudy, joy when our hearts feel heavy, and direction when life feels uncertain. God’s words are described as sweeter than honey and more precious than gold—a reminder that spending time with Him is not a duty but a gift.
Finally, the psalm becomes a prayer. It’s honest: “Lord, I don’t even know all the ways I fail. Cleanse me, keep me, guide me.” It’s humble, acknowledging our need for God not just for understanding but for inner renewal. And it ends with a beautiful longing—that our thoughts and words would rise to God as something pleasing.
Psalm 19 invites you to live with open eyes and an open heart: to see God in creation, to hear Him in Scripture, and to welcome Him into the quiet places of our soul.
The Pastor concluded his prayer by praying for each member of the Cabinet by name – asking for God’s guidance and blessings on them.
1. The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda held its weekly Wednesday meeting, chaired this week by Acting Prime Minister the Hon. Sir Steadroy Benjamin. Prime Minister Gaston Browne is in Morocco attending the MEDays Forum, regarded as the “Forum of the South”, offering a strategic platform where emerging and developing nations can voice their perspectives and shape a more inclusive international order, strengthening South-South cooperation, high-level diplomacy, and providing an avenue for advocating for a global architecture that reflects the interests of small states — especially Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
2. The Cabinet meeting opened with the body extending its deepest condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of the men who tragically lost their lives in recent traffic collisions on our roads.
Cabinet also expressed concern at growing evidence of reckless driving and the rising number of road fatalities, despite the efforts of the traffic authorities.
According to the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda (RPFAB) Traffic Department, there have been eight road fatalities recorded to date in 2025.
Between June 2024 and June 2025, collisions increased slightly (from 1,297 to 1,326), signaling that, while overall injuries may have decreased, the risk of fatal outcomes remains high.
Cabinet urges all motorists, pedestrians, cyclists and other road users to redouble efforts to drive responsibly, obey traffic laws and remain vigilant — especially at night or on roads where stray animals or unexpected hazards may appear.
Cabinet calls on the public to:
- Slow down and observe speed limits, especially in populated and high-traffic areas;
- Avoid distractions — such as mobile phone use — while driving;
- Ensure that vehicles are roadworthy, with functioning lights and proper maintenance;
- Be especially cautious at night, when visibility is low and hazards may appear suddenly;
- Report reckless or dangerous driving to the authorities;Cabinet further reiterates its support for strengthened enforcement of traffic laws, including the full implementation of the demerit “points” system.Cabinet reiterates that the loss of life is unacceptable. Every fatality is a tragedy that ripples through families and communities. Cabinet has communicated its grief and stands resolved that road safety will remain a top-priority for government action, public education, and enforcement.Safety Minister the Ho. Steadroy Benjamin earlier in the week called on pastors to encourage their parishioners to slow down on the nation’s roads.
3. The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has approved the comprehensive plan presented by the Honourable Minister for Education, Sports and Creative Industries to activate high-speed fibre optic internet service across all public primary schools before the end of 2025.
The decision marks a major step in advancing 21st Century Learning and strengthening the country’s digital education infrastructure. The Minister’s presentation highlighted that, while foundational installations began in 2021, inconsistent and inadequate internet connectivity has continued to hinder teaching, e-learning initiatives, and the rollout of the Digital OECS Harmonized Primary Curriculum (DOHPC).
Cabinet’s approval follows detailed findings from the Antigua and Barbuda Public Schools Wireless Project Report, compiled by a multi-agency team representing the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Telecommunications, Board of Education, Antigua Computer Technology, and Digicel. The report confirmed significant bandwidth deficiencies, with many primary schools operating at only 15–20 Mbps, far below the minimum required bandwidths of 50–100 Mbps for effective digital learning.
The Honourable Minister emphasized that reliable high-speed internet is essential for:
• Accessing digital learning platforms
• Supporting customized lesson delivery through the DOHPC Learning Hub
• Facilitating e-testing and blended learning environments
• Ensuring schools meet national and international educational standards
The Cabinet noted that existing bandwidth limitations have delayed or curtailed several education initiatives and placed schools at a disadvantage as they pilot the new OECS digital curriculum.
Key Features of the Approved Plan by Cabinet include:
- Completion of fibre optic installation in all public primary schools by December 2025
- Minimum bandwidth upgrades for every school, as detailed in the national bandwidth assessment report
- Mobilization of the necessary financial and technical resources to complete the fibre activation
- Prioritization of further upgrades for secondary schools to enhance e-learning and e-testing readinessThe Government of Antigua and Barbuda reaffirmed its commitment to modernizing the education sector and ensuring that every child has access to the tools necessary for success in a rapidly evolving digital world.
4. The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has extended its congratulations to Dr. Preston Goodwin, Diagnostic and Interventional Radiologist, on his successful completion of a year-long Vascular and Interventional Radiology Fellowship at the Ng Teng Fong General Hospital in Singapore.
Dr. Goodwin, who has since returned home, has presented a proposal for the establishment of a modern and financially sustainable Interventional Radiology (IR) service at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre (SLBMC). His fellowship provided advanced, hands-on training in minimally invasive procedures, including vascular access, biliary interventions, embolization therapy, trauma management, and diagnostic imaging techniques aligned with international IR standards.
The proposed IR service includes the acquisition of a Fluoroscopy (Angiography) Suite, which would enable SLBMC to perform a wide range of life-saving and revenue-generating procedures locally—reducing overseas medical referrals, strengthening national healthcare capacity, and positioning Antigua and Barbuda as a regional referral centre within the Eastern Caribbean.
Cabinet has acknowledged the importance of this recommendation and has directed the Ministry of Health and Wellness, alongside the SLBMC Board, to conduct a detailed technical and financial review of the proposal. The findings will be presented to Cabinet for decision at a subsequent meeting.
The Government continues to prioritize investments in health infrastructure, specialist services, and the training of national medical professionals to expand the scope and quality of care available to the people of Antigua and Barbuda.
5. The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda turned its attention to the issue of workplace productivity across the public service. Recognizing that effective performance depends not only on employee diligence but also on being supported by a safe, healthy, and functional working environment, Cabinet issued a directive to all heads of departments: to ensure that staff carry out their duties effectively — and that government facilities under their purview are maintained to standards conducive to productivity.
In this regard, Cabinet approved a comprehensive proposal for the Ministry of Works, working in collaboration with the Department of Analytical Services and the Development Control Authority (DCA), to upscale its review of all government-owned and –occupied buildings. This review will assess structural integrity, ventilation and air-quality systems, leaks, mold growth, and other factors that affect the health and comfort of employees. The goal is to identify, repair, renovate, or upgrade buildings — including modernizing ventilation systems, arresting leaks, and stopping mold growth — to foster healthier, more productive workplaces.
Further to this commitment, Cabinet agreed that a proposed new building code, which will incorporate updated standards for air quality, structural safety, ventilation and health-oriented design, will be submitted to Parliament in the first quarter of 2026. This step underscores the Government’s long-term commitment to institutionalizing safe building standards and ensuring that public infrastructure meets modern health, safety, and comfort requirements.
6. Cabinet has approved a series of measures designed to ease the cost of living, enhance household purchasing power and support local businesses during the upcoming Christmas season.
The relief package includes the following:
- A reinstated Christmas Barrel Initiative, which will run from 1 December 2025 to 15 January 2026.
- A modest US $10.00 processing fee plus a Revenue Recovery Charge (RRC) of 10% on the value of items imported under the scheme — allowing households to access essential items, gifts, and holiday goods at significantly reduced cost.
- A temporary reduction of the Antigua and Barbuda Sales Tax (ABST) to 7% from Friday 19 December to Sunday 21 December 2025, encouraging retail activity and holiday shopping.
- A waiver of duties and taxes (customs duties, import duty, ABST, and other applicable charges) on the importation of hams, turkeys, and whole chicken between 25 November and 25 December 2025, aimed at lowering the price of festive foods and supporting households over the Yuletide period.
By lowering costs on staple and festive items, the measures help families — particularly low- and middle-income households — stretch their budgets further during the holidays, at a time when expenses typically rise.
The temporary ABST reduction and Christmas Barrel initiative are expected to boost retail activity, increase consumer spending, and benefit small and medium-sized businesses across the islands.
In the face of rising global food and import costs, the waiver on poultry and holiday imports, combined with broader recent measures to zero-rate essential food imports, is part of the government’s commitment to help households manage inflationary pressures.
The holiday season is typically a peak period for consumer spending. These relief measures are expected to stimulate demand, support retail and trade sectors, and help sustain incomes for workers in commerce, distribution, and hospitality.
These measures reflect government’s ongoing commitment to support Antiguans and Barbudans, especially at times when they need it most. It is not just about immediate relief, but also about sustaining the lifeblood of commerce, reinforcing local supply chains, and ensuring that the benefits of growth touch the wider population.”
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda remains committed to protecting the welfare of its citizens, promoting equitable access to essential goods, and supporting economic activity. This Yuletide relief package is designed to make the holiday period more affordable and joyous for households, while also strengthening local businesses
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