Prayers were led by a Pastor from the Zion Church of God, who read from Psalm 1.
He reminded Cabinet that true blessing comes from being rooted in God’s Word, which provides stability and fruitfulness.
Continuing the theme of time introduced last week, he encouraged patience in well-doing and wise use of time.
1. Procurement of Specialized Excavator for National Dredging
- Procured in Holland: Caterpillar 6015 Excavator with attachments, valued at €1.1 million.
- Partnership: Port Authority, Ministry of Works, Blue Ocean Dredging.
- Addresses dredging needs at St. John’s and Crabbs Harbours.
- Uses: maintenance dredging, beach replenishment, sand mining, and regional services.
Cabinet hailed this as a landmark investment in maritime infrastructure, tourism development, and new regional opportunities.
2. Crime Statistics Report by the Attorney General
General Crime Decline: 2,163 offences recorded (Jan–Aug 2025), down 14.6% from 2024.
- Decreases: Breaking & Larceny (-113), Larceny (-112), Malicious Damage (-79), Unlawful Sexual Intercourse (-8).
- Increases: Aggravated Robbery (+13), Attempted Robbery (+5), Sacrilege (+7).
- Tourist-related Crime: Down from 44 (2024) to 23 (Jan–Aug 2025).
- Firearms: 43 arrests, 25 firearms seized, 286 rounds recovered, 16 convictions secured.
Cabinet Actions: Commended law enforcement, directed focus on violent robberies, welcomed decline in crimes against tourists, praised firearm seizures, and reaffirmed support for the Police Force.
3. Prime Minister’s Report on 2nd Africa–CARICOM Summit
- Held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; focus on trade, investment, education, and culture.
- Expansion of trade in tourism, agriculture, technology, and finance.
- University-level cooperation and student exchange programmes.
- Need for reliable and affordable direct flights between Africa and the Caribbean.
- Advocacy for reparatory justice to deliver tangible benefits.
Cabinet reaffirmed Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to Africa–CARICOM ties, reparations advocacy, and regional connectivity.
4. Transformation of the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF)
Cabinet received a briefing from Brigadier Telbert Benjamin on ABDF’s modernization and resilience agenda.
Key Investments Approved:
- US$100,000 annually for medical evacuation & repatriation services.
- US$1M for communications & radar systems (Phases 2 & 3).
- US$360,000 for livestock & fisheries food security projects.
- US$1.2M lease for interim patrol vessel.
- Camp Blizzard confirmed as Coast Guard HQ.
- Continued scholarships & training for personnel.
Cyber & Communications Infrastructure: Secure operations centre, radar towers in Antigua & Barbuda (integrated with St. Kitts), AIS tracking, IT upgrades of US$2.6M (Cabinet to co-fund US$1M balance).
Prime Minister Browne:
“Our Defence Force is not only a shield for sovereignty, but also a partner in resilience, food security, and youth leadership. These investments ensure strength and excellence.”
Conclusion
Cabinet reaffirmed full support for the modernization of the ABDF, welcomed progress in crime reduction, celebrated strategic maritime investments,
and endorsed stronger Africa–CARICOM ties.
