CABINET NOTES: Wednesday, 8 October 2025

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REPORT FROM THE CABINET OF ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA
MEETING OF WEDNESDAY 8^th OCTOBER 2025

The prayers before Cabinet were led by a Pastor from the Evangelical Association who read from Psalm 15, which is a short but powerful psalm that answers the question:  “Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain?”   David outlines the moral and ethical qualities of the person who is worthy to be in God’s presence:  one who lives with integrity and righteousness, honest and trustworthy in speech, does not gossip or speak ill of others, treats neighbors fairly and trustworthy and committed.

In other words, Living righteously, with integrity and respect for others, is the key to being close to God and having a stable, unshakable life.  The Pastor prayed for members to be filled with wisdom in doing their work and thank God for the good works being done by the government for the people of Antigua and Barbuda.

1. Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Gaston Browne reiterated its policy of 2023, for Government Motor Vehicle Purchases and Procurement Procedures for Car Dealerships in Antigua
   
   ⁠Cabinet reminded that all requests for the purchase of motor vehicles by and for the use of the government are required to be furnished with a Decision of Cabinet, expressly authorizing such purchase.
   
   ⁠Further, it must be noted that according to the 2023 policy, should any vehicle be delivered or consigned to the government without the appropriate legal authority and Decision of Cabinet, the purchase shall be deemed null and void, and as a consequence the government shall accept no liability for any costs or charges arising therefrom.
   
   ⁠It is also advised that, notwithstanding any accompanying Decision of Cabinet authorizing the purchase, all requests for the purchase of motor vehicles must be duly processed by the purchasing authority and the corresponding payment vouchers must have been prepared and approved prior to the delivery of any motor vehicle.
   
   The above applies to all suppliers and vendors of motor vehicles to the government without exception, unless otherwise expressly approved by Cabinet.
   

2.     The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has approved a proposal to deepen collaboration with international logistics partners Southern Air and Seven Air, as part of a strategic plan to position Antigua as a central air and maritime logistics hub for the Eastern Caribbean and beyond.

This decision follows recent successful charter operations between Miami and Antigua, led by the Extreme Group — affiliate of Southern Air and Seven Air — which has demonstrated capacity and interest in scaling up regional logistics through expanded air freight, port operations, and warehousing services.

The plan presented to Cabinet by the local company Extreme Group and Southern Air and Seven Air includes:

• Strengthening Antigua’s position as a transshipment hub for vehicles, cargo, and agricultural exports.
• Exploring logistics links between Antigua, the OECS, the Dominican Republic, Panama, Colombia, , and parts of South America.
• Developing infrastructure such as cold storage facilities and additional warehouse space to support increased cargo throughput; and
• Pursuing strategic fuel cost and tariff concessions to ensure Antigua remains competitive in the regional logistics sector.
  
  The Cabinet also noted the potential for this initiative to benefit local industries, including agriculture, fisheries,and manufacturing, by creating improved export routes, enabling smaller importers to operate efficiently, and supporting job creation in logistics, aviation, and port services.
  
   
  
  In support of this vision, the Government will:
• Engage relevant departments, including the Ministry of Aviation, Customs, and the Antigua Port Authority, to coordinate infrastructure and policy support.
• Facilitate lease discussions for expansion at key cargo terminals.
• Collaborate with the private sector on investment in storage and handling solutions.
• Continue dialogue with Extreme Group, Southern Air and Seven Air to finalise operational needs and long-term partnership agreements.
  
  Footnote:
  Prime Minister the Hon. Gaston Browne and his government is committed to making Antigua and Barbuda “a vital gateway for regional trade.”  The expansion of logistics services is a critical component of the nation’s economic transformation agenda.  The Cabinet looks forward to the successful implementation of this partnership, which stands to boost trade, create jobs, and enhance regional connectivity.
  
   

3.     The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has approved the recommendation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Barbuda Affairs to implement the decision of the Sixtieth (60th) Meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED), allowing for the suspension of the Common External Tariff (CET) on a list of essential food items.

The decision, effective from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026, authorizes the application of a zero (0%) rate of duty on a range of imported staples that form part of the national food basket.

Among the items approved for zero-rated import duties are:

            •           Butter (salted and unsalted)

            •           Potatoes

            •           Cabbages, carrots, cauliflower, and broccoli

            •           Dry peas and beans (split peas, chickpeas, black-eye peas, lentils, and pigeon peas)

            •           Fresh fruits including apples, oranges, limes, and kiwis

            •           Cereals and oats

            •           Cooking oils such as olive oil, coconut oil, corn oil, and other vegetable oils

            •           Canned meats and fish (corned beef, sardines, and mackerel)

            •           Baby foods and preparations for infant use

This measure, endorsed by CARICOM Member States, seeks to cushion the effects of escalating food prices on consumers—particularly the most vulnerable and low-income households—and to stabilize the domestic market.

In making the presentation to Cabinet, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Barbuda Affairs, Hon. E.P. Chet Greene, emphasized that the initiative reflects the government’s continued commitment to safeguarding food security and ensuring that citizens have access to affordable and nutritious food options.

The Cabinet reaffirmed its commitment to work closely with regional and international partners to monitor market trends and implement further measures to support consumers and stabilize the economy.

 

4.     In line with the Public Holidays (Amendment) Act, No. 23 or 2019, specifically in relation to Independence Day; which reads that “When the first day of November falls on a Saturday or Sunday the following Monday shall be a public holiday and on that day shall be held all the official acts and activities in celebration of the anniversary of Independence, Cabinet has approved that the Independence Ceremonial Parade and the Annual Independence Food Fair will be held on Monday, 3^rd November – the Public Holiday.

The Independence Anniversary calendar of events will reflect the decision of the Cabinet.

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