HURST REPORTS ON CABINET of Wednesday 12 March 2025
The sitting began with a prayer by a Methodist Minister who sought God’s guidance in the making of those important decisions that would follow. The members engaged the Minister who faithfully asked for God’s blessings upon this beautiful country.
1. The Cabinet held a discussion on the lawsuit entered in a US Federal Court in Puerto Rico, seeking to determine the uses to which the purchase amount of the mega yacht Alfa Nero was put. The Cabinet noted the delight with which a segment of the political community celebrates the maligning of the leaders of Antigua and Barbuda, joining in suggesting that the sale proceeds of the Alfa Nero were diverted from the Public Treasury. The records are clear as submitted to the High Court of Antigua and Barbuda in affidavits that are public. The absence of national pride and the willingness to make false accusations against public officials, in order to score political points, are all very evident in the false reporting which the political party operatives enjoy.
2. i. The Cabinet held a discussion on the impact of US policy on trade, economic performance and prices of goods in Antigua and Barbuda that are purchased through US distributors in Miami and elsewhere. There was consensus among the Cabinet Members that a recession in the United State is likely coming, and that tariff wars never result in any victors. Nevertheless, the Cabinet believes that Antigua and Barbuda can take some defensive actions to include scaling-up farming; growing and utilizing more local products; and, looking to other markets where goods cost less than in the traditional market.
2.ii. The Cabinet also examined the possibility of restructuring payments to the Cuban Medical Brigade since the United States is claiming that the current system amounts to “Human Trafficking.” The Government of Antigua and Barbuda strongly denies that it is engaged in any such unlawful activity; 66 other countries, utilizing the Cuban Medical Brigade to supplement their national, medical, healthcare services, also deny their engagement in any unlawful activity. Geo-politics is evidently having an impact on policy formulation within the region and globally, the Cabinet concluded.
3.i. Two very successful farmers, operators of the Twin Eye Farm in Antigua, who won the award for the best farmers, in the recent (farming) competition in St. Croix, were invited to Cabinet. The farmers have learned of a viable market for onions, carrots, and even pumpkins in St. Croix. Their farm is currently 10 acres large; but, they have asked for 30 acres of farmland at Diamonds Estate where only 3 acres out of 120 acres are currently under cultivation. The two farmers are convinced that they could sell their production to St. Croix and to Dominica. The OECS country from which Antigua and Barbuda purchases a gamut of agricultural products, does not grow carrots and onions. Those two items can grow in abundance in Antigua, provided the farmers have access to water. The Cabinet proceeded to consult with the APUA General Manager who has promised that APUA water lines will be taken as close as possible to the farms. Praedial larceny is still a challenge.
3.ii. The Cabinet also agreed that sanitary and phytosanitary conditions are to be met before exports of food products to certain countries are allowed. Cabinet therefore promised to ensure that running water and bathroom facilities are constructed on the farms. Backyard Gardening Competition is to be pursued.
4. Two Adventist Pastors were invited to Cabinet to seek assistance from the executive body with a planned Spring Camp experience; it will see more than 1,300 campers from Dominica, St. Kitts, Nevis, Montserrat and the U.K. The youth will descend upon the camp at Gilberts for nearly a week in April 2025. Although the Church owns a small acreage, preparations have incorporated a larger contiguous parcel on which the tents and field hospital will be placed temporarily. The Adventist Pastors also indicated that the camp will require more electricity and, therefore, more poles; running water; and, improved broadband services for the April camp. APUA was consulted in January, and an assessment will be made shortly. In the meantime, the road leading to the camp will be given a new surface, and more water storage capabilities will be put in place. Temporary showers and toilets will also be provided. The pastors left the Cabinet meeting satisfied and offered a prayer before departing.
5. Two officials from the National Parks Authority were invited to Cabinet to address two issues: (i) The sale of available parcels of land within the protected national parks area, for development and to raise money; and, (ii) the use to which recently-created land, owned by the Crown, can be developed. The Cabinet, following much discussions and information-sharing, agreed that land within the national parks ought to be sold to nationals of Antigua and Barbuda for housing—either for living or for rental. These purchases could assist those who have savings and are seeking to develop additional income to pensions, in their old age, could indeed build luxury homes for rental. Furthermore, the Attorney General assured the Cabinet that any land created on the seabed is the Crown’s; hence, no-one can lay claim to the new land, even if it is contiguous to existing land. It is the law.
6.i. The Cabinet agreed that a Mutual Fund Bill (or a Real Estate Development Bill) will be brought to Parliament at its next session. An Investment Trust, proposed earlier, will be a part of the Bill that will allow for investments that could involve wealth-creation for retirement purposes.
6.ii. The Cabinet was informed that the Director of Lands and the Director of Agriculture will meet on Thursday 13 March 2025 to certify and coordinate their administrative boundaries, In other words, to sort out and agree on the lands assigned to Agriculture and those assigned to Housing and other purposes. The Cabinet is eager to preserve the quantum of agricultural lands available in order to achieve food security.
7. A special Committee of the Parliament will meet tomorrow, Thursday, 13 March 2025, to examine several bills, two of which are: i. The Police Act and other laws; ii. Fire and Rescue Services Bill. The separation of the Fire Service from the Police is the object of the changes that are about to take place. The meeting starts at 10:30 in the morning.
8. A new Magistrate will take the place of the late Magistrate Conliff Clarke. Magistrate Mighty would have been contracted from 1st March 2025. He brings great experience to the job, and is highly regarded by the Judicial and Legal Services Commission, and others. The Cabinet wishes him well in his new assignment.
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