CABINET NOTES: Wednesday, August 21, 2024

1. The Cabinet held an intense discussion on the subject of crime, violence, the use of guns by robbers, and the harm which is inflicted on Antigua and Barbuda by brazen criminals. The Cabinet has decided that when the Parliament next convenes, it will place on the order paper an Act that will impose a curfew on juveniles aged below 18 years; the law, when enacted, will declare as unlawful any youth unaccompanied by a parent/guardian to be outside of their homes on the streets after 10 at night up until 5 in the morning. Several exceptions will be built in. The Cabinet also decided that anti-gang legislation will also become law in Antigua and Barbuda and it will also be aimed at social media posts. The Cabinet is also strengthening law enforcement providing cars, vessels, drones, radios, and other communication equipment valued at EC$5.4 million oof the $15 million budgeted. The Chairman of Cabinet has agreed that the holistic approach is intended to arrest the spate of gun-related crimes, by being able to identify criminals who might be wearing hoodies, masks, and gloves, through advanced identification systems.

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i. The Cabinet also intends to change the law regarding punishment for smoking cannabis in public; the existing law requires first a warning, second time a ticket, and third time a fine. When the Parliament next convenes, the intention is to impose a fine on those caught smoking cannabis in public; the object is to discourage the behaviour which tends to convey a disregard for the law, and disregard for the well-being of other citizens.

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2. The Cabinet invited the leaders of the Ecclesiastical Commission—a religious body established by the Gaston Browne administration 10 years ago—to provide some guidance on reaching youth and others by the churches which they lead. The Chairman of the Cabinet, Prime Minister Gaston Browne, pointed to the gravity of criminal activity that has been undermining the feeling of safety and security; and sought the assistance of the Commission to propose appropriate strategies to address the escalating challenge of violence and youth. P.M. Browne pointed out that crime knows no colour or party and is clearly carried out by those who have little moral conscience. The Cabinet intends to reduce the incidence of crimes and sees increased sentencing as a significant deterrent. The Chairman-Pastor of the Commission exhorted the Cabinet to start each school year with prayers. After some discussion, a policy decision that all public schools are to hold devotions at the beginning of each school day was agreed upon; the Ministry of Education will be asked to implement. The Minister responsible for Public Safety (the Attorney-General) agreed that there is no constitutional barrier to ordering prayers in schools daily.

i. The Prime Minister identified two youth gangs that have posted images and veiled threats on social media; the Police unit that tracks social media posts has captured their images and threats, and will take vigorous actions to stem the tide of social media posts that are intended to cause fear and loathing. The unit will also place ads on social media platforms, discouraging youth from identifying with these violent groups that utilize the same platforms to spread their evil.

3. The Cabinet, led by the Minister responsible for Sports, made a plea to strengthen sports further. Following his presentation, Minster Matthew was asked to prepare a paper on the steps that can be taken to place Antigua and Barbuda in a winning column during the next 4 years, leading up to the next Olympic. The paper will be presented in 2 weeks, to include improving a strengthened sporting administration.

4. The Cabinet invited a technician from the Ministry of Agriculture and the head of the Commonwealth of Learning to address the issue of Food Security. The team came to the conclusion that growing more chickens for consumption could indeed result in empowering youth and women, saving foreign exchange, and for the import of chicken meat to come to an end. The Commonwealth of Learning will train farmers in the techniques to make them more effective, combining both old and new methods to increase chicken production annually. The institution has approximately USD4 million in loans, to support farmers to increase their yield.

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5. The Cabinet conducted a further examination of Carnival 2024. Following intense discussions, the Cabinet is of the view that a rescheduling of the shows, the ownership of the stage and other factors that would make Carnival more exciting, are to be implemented for Carnival 2025. Although several providers and suppliers are still owed, the authorities will set aside a sum of money in the coming weeks to reduce their obligations to those suppliers and service providers.

i. The Minister of Festivals was also tasked by Cabinet to hold discussions with promoters who invite artistes to Antigua. Those with violent lyrics and mysoginists themes will not be allowed entry.

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7. The Boys Training School will be operational for the new School Year. New furnishing have been purchased and landscaping is being undertaken to present an acceptable compound that could inspire good behaviour.

i. The new cemetery is closer to opening as road building within the 4-acre compound is to be undertaken shortly. ii. The new Arkangel Medical School will open its doors to 100 students on the 1st October 2024. Thus far, more than 40 students have been registered.  iii. The United Heads Incorporated Inc., members of a Seventh Day Adventist Church, will undertake a massive 7-day Health Programme throughout Antigua. 60 health professionals, comprising dentists, ophthalmologists, cancer specialists, will provide, at no cost, examinations of students in primary and secondary schools, and of adults as well, in October.

iv. The Cabinet expressed condolences to the family of Recaldo Thomas, an Antiguan-Canadian citizen, who perished at sea when a super yacht on which he worked sank off the coast of Italy.

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