CABINET NOTES: Wednesday July 2nd 2025

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REPORT FROM THE CABINET OF ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA
MEETING OF WEDNESDAY 2^ND JULY 2025

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Wednesday’s Cabinet Meeting, chaired by Acting Prime Minister the Hon. Sir Steadroy Benjamin.  Prime Minister Browne is out of state attending the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4) in Sevilla, Spain.  The Prayers before Cabinet was led by a Pentecostal Pastor who read from 11 Thessalonians 3:16 which spoke of inner peace while doing the work of God.  The Cabinet was reminded that they were appointed by God for a particular task and therefore they should be at peace with themselves, each other, within the communities and the nation as they execute their duties.

1. The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda received an update from the Honourable Daryll Matthew, Minister responsible for Carnival, who confirmed that preparations are well advanced for what is anticipated to be one of the most vibrant and memorable Carnival celebrations in recent history.

Scheduled to take place from July 25 to August 5, this year’s festival—under the electrifying theme “Itz A Vibe”—is already generating heightened excitement and engagement both locally and internationally.

With just under three weeks to go before the official start, the Minister reported that participation levels are on the rise, as evidenced by the ongoing Soca and Calypso Quarterfinals. Final refurbishments and upgrades to Carnival City at the Antigua Recreation Grounds are nearing completion, ensuring the venue will be ready to host thousands of revellers and spectators.

Tickets are now on sale for most major events, and hotels across the island are reporting occupancy rates above 90% for the carnival period—a clear indication of strong regional and international interest.

To meet the growing demand, Caribbean Airlines has added two special flights from Trinidad and Tobago, while American Airlines is operating three daily flights from Miami, USA. LIAT is also reporting increased bookings from neighbouring islands, highlighting Antigua’s position as a key cultural destination in the region.

Minister Matthew also noted that the Festivals Commission continues to play a vital role in supporting the Watch Night Celebrations, commemorating the Emancipation from Slavery—the historical foundation upon which Carnival is built.

The Minister concluded by assuring the Cabinet and the public that all signs point to an exciting, safe, and culturally rich Carnival 2025, promising unforgettable experiences for residents and visitors alike.

2. In a continued effort to promote healthy lifestyles, positive youth development, and community engagement, the Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has announced its support for a series of community sports programmes and summer camps to be held across the country during the current school holidays.

Recognizing the long summer break as a critical time to engage the nation’s youth, the Government is committed to supporting structured, enriching, and enjoyable activities that not only entertain but also educate and inspire. These programmes are designed to:

• Foster teamwork and sportsmanship
• Develop athletic skills and discipline
• Encourage healthy competition
• Provide a safe and supportive environment for fun and learning
• Steer young people away from negative influences and risky behaviours

The initiative reflects the Government’s broader strategy to invest in youth empowerment and national wellness through community-based action and inclusive programming.

Cabinet encourages all parents and guardians to take advantage of these opportunities by registering their children for participation once official announcements and community-level call-ups are made. The programmes will cater to a wide range of interests and age groups, offering activities in areas such as football, cricket, basketball, netball, athletics, arts and crafts, music, and more.

By supporting these summer initiatives, the Government reaffirms its commitment to nurturing the physical, mental, and social well-being of Antigua and Barbuda’s young people, and to building safer, healthier communities for all.

3. The Honourable Minister for Education, Daryll Matthew, informed Cabinet that the Government’s decision to merge Glanvilles Secondary School and Pares Secondary School has been met with strong support from the affected communities.

As part of the Ministry’s commitment to transparency and public engagement, a series of public education initiatives are underway to keep stakeholders informed and involved in the transition. These efforts include a Town Hall Meeting scheduled for next Monday at the Pares Secondary School, where Ministry technicians will share detailed information on the merger process.

One of the major developments is the planned conversion of Glanvilles Secondary School into a specialized School of Agriculture, a move that aligns with national goals for skills development, food security, and agricultural innovation.

Minister Matthew also reported that preparatory work for the September 2025 merger is progressing. Assessment teams have been actively reviewing the infrastructure at both school sites to identify necessary upgrades and initiate improvements where needed, ensuring that the merged institution is ready to welcome students in a safe and conducive learning environment.

Last week, Cabinet officially announced the school merger, highlighting that the initiative is part of the Government’s broader strategy to create a sustainable, efficient, and high-quality educational system. The goal is to enhance learning outcomes, promote resource optimization, and foster equity—ensuring that all students have the tools and environment they need to succeed both academically and socially.

4. The Minister for Health, the Hon. Sir Molwyn Joseph informed Cabinet of a deeply concerning incident involving the soon-to-be-opened pharmacy at the Villa Polyclinic, which was recently broken into and completely looted. The theft has resulted in a delay in the launch of pharmacy services, which were intended to serve residents of the Point, Villa, and surrounding communities with much-needed access to medications and healthcare support.

In response, the Cabinet has issued a directive mandating the immediate installation and enhancement of modern surveillance systems at all government and public facilities to safeguard public infrastructure and assets.

Priority buildings for security upgrades include:

• Health clinics
• Government offices
• Public schools
• Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre

Facilities already equipped with surveillance systems will undergo assessments to determine whether upgrades or expansions are necessary to meet current security standards.

This decisive action reflects the Government’s commitment to protecting public resources and ensuring that essential services are delivered to communities without disruption or compromise.

5. The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has extended high commendations to the United Hands Inc. and the Seventh-day Adventist Church for their outstanding partnership with the Ministry of Health in hosting a successful four-day Health Fair at the Multi-Purpose Cultural and Exhibition Centre.

The Minister for Health, the Honourable Sir Molwyn Joseph, reported that over the course of just three days, the Fair delivered critical healthcare services to 1,110 individuals, including comprehensive medical assessments for more than 400 children.

Preliminary findings from the event have highlighted the need to re-evaluate healthcare delivery for the elderly, and revealed a growing demand for expanded dental services across the nation.

In response, Cabinet has approved several key health initiatives based on the Minister’s recommendations:

• Extended Clinic Hours: Community clinic operational schedules will be reviewed and adjusted to better accommodate elderly patients and others who rely on caregivers or public transport for medical access.
• National Dental Expansion: Beginning in September, the Ministry of Health will roll out a Fluoride and Sealant Programme targeting school-aged children. This initiative will be implemented in all schools nationwide, with technical guidance and support from the United Hands Inc. and the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
• Legislative Action: The Cabinet also announced that the Second Reading of the Sugary Beverages Act will proceed during the next sitting of Parliament, reflecting the Government’s commitment to improving public health outcomes and tackling non-communicable diseases.

Importantly, the Cabinet recognized the remarkable cost savings achieved through the Fair. It is estimated that the collaboration resulted in savings over $2.5 million in dental services and $1.5 million in eye examinations and prescription eyewear—a major benefit to both government resources and the individuals who received care.

The Government applauds the ongoing efforts of United Hands Inc. and the Seventh-day Adventist Church and its other civil society partners and remains committed to expanding accessible, affordable, and preventative healthcare across all communities.

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