Pastor Stephen Samuel led the meditation at the start of this week’s Cabinet meeting, drawing inspiration from Psalm 139:1–18. The meditation focused on God’s omniscience, His presence with His people, and the importance of seeking divine guidance in the discharge of responsibilities entrusted to leaders.
Reflecting on the Psalm, the pastor reminded members of Cabinet that God knows each person intimately, including their thoughts, intentions and concerns. He emphasized that no decision or circumstance is beyond God’s awareness and that His presence accompanies His people wherever they go.
The pastor prayed for the nation of Antigua and Barbuda, asking for God’s continued protection, guidance and blessings upon the country and its people. He also prayed specifically for the members of Cabinet, asking that they be strengthened and guided as they carry out the responsibilities of governance.
Particular emphasis was placed on the decisions that Cabinet members are called upon to make on behalf of the nation. The pastor prayed that they would be granted wisdom, understanding and discernment, enabling them to make decisions that are in the best interests of the country and its people.
He also prayed that the voices and contributions of Cabinet members would be respected as they deliberate on matters of national importance, and that their discussions would be conducted with mutual respect, understanding and a shared commitment to the welfare of Antigua and Barbuda.
The meditation concluded with prayers for God’s continued guidance over the nation and its leaders, asking that Cabinet members be given the wisdom to navigate the challenges before them and the understanding necessary to make sound and responsible decisions.
1. Cabinet Approves Construction of New Modular Prison Facility at Prison Farm
Cabinet has continued its discussions on crime and violence in Antigua and Barbuda, with particular attention being given to the upsurge in gun-related crime and the need for a decisive and coordinated response from the country’s law enforcement and justice institutions.
Cabinet reiterated its position that there must be a frontal attack on crime,with the law enforcement agencies using the resources available to them to aggressively identify, apprehend and prosecute persons involved in criminal activity.
As part of the Government’s broader response to crime and the need to strengthen the country’s correctional infrastructure, Cabinet has agreed to the construction of a new prison facility in the Potworks Dam area, at the site of the Prison Farm.
The new facility will be developed on a modular and phased basis, allowing additional capacity to be added as required.
The first phase of the project will involve the construction of a facility capable of accommodating approximately 150 inmates.
Cabinet agreed that the new facility will form part of a longer-term programme to phase out the existing prison facility in St. John’s, commonly referred to as 1735 Prison, and transition the country toward a modern correctional system with improved capacity and facilities.
The decision responds to the longstanding capacity constraints at the existing prison. The current facility was established in the nineteenth century and occupies buildings that originally served as military barracks.
International reporting has documented significant overcrowding at the existing prison, which was designed for approximately 150 inmates. The Government has therefore recognized the need for additional and modern correctional capacity.
Cabinet emphasized that the construction of the new facility is one component of a broader national security response to the increase in crime and violence.
The Government intends to strengthen the capacity of law enforcement to confront serious and repeat offenders while ensuring that the correctional system has adequate facilities to accommodate persons who are lawfully committed to custody.
The modular approach will allow the Government to proceed with the development in manageable phases rather than waiting for the completion of a single large-scale facility. The initial 150-inmate unit will establish the foundation for the eventual transition away from the existing St. John’s prison.
Cabinet further emphasized that the modernization of the prison system must be accompanied by appropriate rehabilitation and skills-development programmes designed to reduce repeat offending and prepare inmates for productive reintegration into society.
Cabinet will proceed with the necessary planning and implementation arrangements for the new facility and will continue to monitor the project as part of the Government’s wider programme to strengthen public safety, the justice system and national security.
2. Health Minister Updates Cabinet on Overseas Patients and Expansion of Health Facilities
Cabinet received a comprehensive update from the Hon. Michael Joseph, Minister for Health, on several matters relating to the delivery and expansion of healthcare services, including the welfare of Antiguan and Barbudan patients currently receiving medical treatment in Colombia, the opening of the Sickle Cell Centre, and improvements to other health facilities across the country.
Minister Joseph reported that 37 Antiguan and Barbudan patients are presently in Colombia receiving specialized medical treatment.
Following the recent earthquake affecting Colombia, the Ministry moved to ascertain the safety of the patients and the status of the medical institutions at which they are receiving care.
Cabinet was informed that patients are receiving treatment at three hospitals and that only one of the three medical facilities—the hospital in Imbalico—was impacted by the earthquake. The Ministry of Health continues to monitor the situation and remains in contact with the relevant parties concerning the welfare of the patients. All patients are reported safe and are continuing their treatments.
Minister Joseph also advised Cabinet that the country’s new Sickle Cell Centre will officially open next week, marking another important advancement in the delivery of specialized healthcare services in Antigua and Barbuda.
The Centre will provide dedicated support for persons living with sickle cell disease and represents part of the Government’s continuing programme to improve access to specialized treatment and patient care locally.
Cabinet welcomed the imminent opening and acknowledged the importance of providing a dedicated facility to better respond to the needs of persons affected by sickle cell disease and their families.
Cabinet was further informed that the new autopsy suite and mortuary at the former Holberton Hospital compound are scheduled to become operational by the end of August.
Minister Joseph reported that preparations are advancing towards the opening of the facilities, which will strengthen the country’s capacity to provide appropriate mortuary and post-mortem services.
Following the opening of the Sickle Cell Centre and the autopsy suite and mortuary, Minister Joseph advised that the Ministry of Health will turn greater attention to the renovation and improvement of community health clinics.
Among the facilities identified for urgent attention are the Browne’s Avenue Clinic and the All Saints Clinic.
Cabinet noted that the improvement of community clinics is an important component of strengthening primary healthcare, ensuring that residents have access to quality services closer to their communities and reducing unnecessary pressure on the country’s principal hospital.
Cabinet welcomed the Minister’s report and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to continuing investments in healthcare infrastructure, specialized services and primary healthcare facilities to improve the quality and accessibility of healthcare available to the people of Antigua and Barbuda.
3. Cabinet Strengthens Measures to Combat Littering and Illegal Dumping
Cabinet invited the Manager of the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA), together with the litter wardens assigned to St. John’s, to discuss the persistent problem of littering and illegal dumping in the capital and communities across Antigua and Barbuda.
The discussion focused on the need for a renewed and more vigorous enforcement effort to keep St. John’s and the wider country clean, orderly and attractive to residents and visitors.
Cabinet called on the litter wardens to redouble their efforts in carrying out their responsibilities, particularly in St. John’s, and to make greater use of the enforcement powers available to them under the law.
The Government has previously identified illegal dumping and litter accumulation as priority areas requiring immediate action, noting that a clean environment is important not only for aesthetics but also for public health, environmental protection, tourism and community safety.
Cabinet agreed that the Litter Act should be reviewed with a view to strengthening the legislation and improving enforcement against persons who litter and illegally dispose of waste.
The review is expected to examine the existing enforcement framework and identify amendments that could provide stronger and more effective deterrence. Antigua and Barbuda’s existing legislation provides for the appointment and duties of Litter Prevention Wardens and establishes measures for the control and prevention of littering.
Cabinet also agreed that the public education campaign on littering and proper waste disposal should continue and be intensified. The Government will continue to encourage residents, businesses and community groups to take greater responsibility for their surroundings and to properly dispose of waste.
To improve the effectiveness of the wardens in the field, Cabinet agreed that cellphones will be provided to litter wardens.
The provision of communication devices is intended to improve coordination, reporting and the ability of wardens to communicate promptly with the relevant authorities when violations or other environmental problems are identified.
Cabinet also agreed to make greater use of the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda in support of enforcement activities, including the issuing of tickets for persons found littering.
The enhanced cooperation between the litter wardens and the Police Force is intended to strengthen enforcement and ensure that the country’s litter laws are applied more consistently.
Cabinet reiterated the requirement that trucks transporting waste must be properly covered to prevent garbage and other materials from falling or blowing onto the nation’s roads and public spaces.
The Government will also undertake the replacement of bins in St. John’s, as part of efforts to improve the availability and appearance of public waste-disposal facilities in the capital.
Cabinet recognized that enforcement must be accompanied by adequate infrastructure and public education. Residents and visitors must have appropriate opportunities to dispose of waste responsibly, while those who deliberately litter or dump waste illegally must face the consequences provided for under the law.
Cabinet also agreed to provide continued support to the officer seconded to the relevant division to advance the programme for the removal of derelict vehicles from public spaces and roadways.
The removal of abandoned and derelict vehicles forms part of the wider national beautification and sanitation effort. Cabinet has previously identified derelict spaces and unclean surroundings as concerns that can create safety hazards, obstruct visibility and contribute to the deterioration of communities.
Cabinet emphasized that the campaign to keep Antigua and Barbuda clean cannot be the sole responsibility of the NSWMA. It requires cooperation from government agencies, businesses, residents, community organizations and the general public.
The Government has already intensified clean-up and beautification activities across the country, including the removal of litter and bulky waste, clearing of overgrown areas, cleaning of drains and watercourses, and improvement of public spaces.
Cabinet reaffirmed its determination to maintain St. John’s and the wider Antigua and Barbuda clean, safe and welcoming,while strengthening enforcement and encouraging a greater culture of personal responsibility for the proper disposal of waste.
4. Blue Ocean Completes Crabb’s Harbour Dredging Ahead of LNG Vessel Operations
Cabinet received a report from the Blue Ocean Dredging Company, in which the Government holds a majority shareholding, on the performance of the company and the progress of its major dredging operations at Crabb’s Harbour and St. John’s Harbour.
Cabinet was informed that the dredging works at Crabb’s Harbour have been completed, clearing the channel to facilitate the arrival of larger vessels, including ships transporting liquefied natural gas (LNG) for the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA).
The completion of the Crabb’s dredging represents an important development for the country’s energy security and port infrastructure. APUA’s LNG-powered generation facility requires vessels with a deeper draught than could previously be accommodated at Crabb’s, making the deepening of the approach channel necessary. The Government had previously identified the need to dredge the channel to accommodate larger LNG and cement vessels.
Cabinet was advised that testing is now being conducted at Crabb’s Harbour to verify and confirm the completeness of the dredging works.
The testing will provide the necessary assurance that the channel has achieved the required depth and specifications to safely facilitate the intended vessel traffic.
The successful completion of the Crabb’s works follows challenges encountered during the project, including the presence of hard rock on the seabed that had previously affected the pace of dredging. The Government subsequently moved to strengthen Blue Ocean’s capacity through investment in specialized dredging equipment.
With the major dredging works at Crabb’s now completed, Cabinet was informed that Blue Ocean will mobilize its equipment and personnel to commence the next phase of its work at St. John’s Harbour.
The St. John’s Harbour dredging forms part of a wider effort to improve the harbour’s capacity and accommodate larger vessels. Previous Government assessments identified approximately 20,000 cubic metres of rock and 120,000 cubic metres of maintenance dredging requiring removal at St. John’s Harbour.
The dredging programme is particularly important to the continued modernization of the country’s maritime infrastructure and the development of the Port of St. John’s as a more efficient gateway for cruise, cargo and other commercial vessels.
Blue Ocean’s expanded role reflects the Government’s decision to build domestic capacity in marine engineering and dredging rather than relying exclusively on costly foreign contractors. Previous assessments found that international dredging options carried substantially higher costs, while Blue Ocean’s local operations offered a more cost-effective alternative.
Cabinet was also reminded that Blue Ocean had previously encountered significant challenges from hard-rock formations at both Crabb’s and St. John’s Harbour. The Government subsequently supported the acquisition of specialized equipment to enable the company to undertake the demanding dredging works more effectively.
Cabinet welcomed the report and commended the progress achieved at Crabb’s Harbour. The Cabinet noted that the completion of the works represents an important milestone for Antigua and Barbuda’s energy and maritime infrastructure and looks forward to the continuation of the St. John’s Harbour dredging programme.
The Government will continue to monitor the performance of Blue Ocean as the company advances the St. John’s Harbour works and contributes to the strengthening of Antigua and Barbuda’s domestic dredging and marine engineering capacity.
5. Performing Arts Centre Renovation and Retrofitting on Track for CHOGM 2026
Cabinet received a progress report on the ongoing renovation and retrofitting of the Performing Arts Centre on High Street, which is being prepared to host the Opening Ceremony and meetings associated with the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2026, scheduled for November.
The Hon. Minister Rawdon Turner reported that the project remains on target, with the handover of the completed facility to the Government expected by 30 September 2026.
The report indicated that significant progress has been made throughout the facility. The upper-level seating area, which will accommodate approximately 200 persons, is being prepared for carpeting and the installation of newly arrived seating. Ceiling lighting has also been installed, while work continues on access areas, including the stairs.
Progress has also been made on the main hall, including ceiling works, lighting and carpeting. The bathrooms and associated areas have been substantially prepared, with tiling, ceilings and lighting completed, while fixtures, partitions and doors remain to be installed.
The report further noted that the facility’s technical infrastructure is progressing, including lighting, sound, information technology and audio-visual systems. The large LED screens have been shipped, while arrangements are being finalized for the specialized lighting required for the facility.
Cabinet was informed that the project team remains confident that the facility will be completed within the required timeframe. The report emphasized that the priority is to ensure that the building itself is completed and ready to accommodate the CHOGM activities.
Cabinet welcomed the progress report and noted the importance of completing the renovation and retrofitting programme within the established timeframe to ensure that Antigua and Barbuda is fully prepared to host the Opening Ceremony and related CHOGM 2026 meetings in November.
The Cabinet will continue to monitor the project as preparations advance toward the anticipated 30 September 2026 handover.
6. Cabinet Establishes $250,000 Creative Industries Development Fund and Expands International Reach of Carnival Productions
Cabinet has discussed the continued development of Antigua and Barbuda’s creative industries and the need to provide greater support to local artistes in producing high-quality creative works capable of reaching audiences beyond the domestic market.
As part of its efforts to strengthen the creative sector, and coming on the heels of the recent Carnival celebrations, Cabinet has agreed to establish a Creative Industries Development Fund, with an initial investment of $250,000.
The Fund is intended to provide assistance to soca artistes, calypsonians and other creatives in the production and development of creative works that have the potential for international reach and revenue generation.
Cabinet recognized that Antigua and Barbuda possesses considerable creative talent and that strategic investment is required to enable local artistes to develop professional productions that can compete in regional and international markets.
The initiative is also intended to support the continued development of local talent and ensure that Antigua and Barbuda’s rich musical and cultural traditions remain vibrant and continue to be passed on to future generations.
In a related decision, Cabinet agreed that selected shows affiliated with Antigua and Barbuda Carnival 2027 will also be offered on a pay-per-view basis to audiences locally, regionally and internationally.
The decision is intended to expand the commercial reach of Carnival productions and create additional revenue opportunities for artistes, producers and other participants in the creative sector.
By making Carnival-affiliated shows accessible through a pay-per-view platform, the Government intends to allow Antiguans and Barbudans at home and abroad, as well as regional and international audiences, to participate in the country’s premier cultural celebration.
Cabinet views the initiative as an opportunity to transform Carnival productions into commercially viable cultural products with a market extending beyond Antigua and Barbuda.
The combination of the Creative Industries Development Fund and the expansion of Carnival productions to international pay-per-view audiences is expected to strengthen the economic potential of the creative sector while preserving and promoting Antigua and Barbuda’s cultural identity.
Cabinet reaffirmed its commitment to creating greater opportunities for local creatives, encouraging the professionalization of the sector and ensuring that the music, talent and culture of Antigua and Barbuda receive greater exposure on the regional and international stage.
7. Cabinet Approves Entrepreneurial Development Programme Loans to Support Local Business Expansion and Job Creation
Cabinet has approved a number of loan applications submitted under the Prime Minister’s Entrepreneurial Development Programme (EDP), reaffirming the Government’s commitment to empowering local entrepreneurs, expanding business ownership and creating employment opportunities throughout Antigua and Barbuda.
The approvals followed recommendations from the EDP Review Loan Committee and form part of the Government’s continuing programme to provide affordable financing to viable micro, small and expanding businesses that demonstrate strong growth potential. The Programme was established to increase Antiguan and Barbudan participation in the economy by providing access to low-cost financing, business support and entrepreneurial development.
Cabinet approved a loan of EC$150,000 to Ms. Sandray Williams, trading as SWA Enterprise (Everything Hair 268), to finance the completion of a purpose-built commercial facility that will house the expanding retail business.
Everything Hair 268 has grown from a mobile operation into an established retail enterprise specializing in hair extensions, wigs, hair accessories, hair-care products and related beauty supplies. The new commercial premises will provide additional retail and storage space, improve customer service and accommodate the company’s continued expansion.
Cabinet also approved a loan of EC$25,000 to Ms. Tiffany Azille, proprietor of Eat N Lime Food Tours Ltd., to assist with the purchase of a passenger van to expand the company’s tourism operations.
Eat N Lime Food Tours has established itself as a unique cultural and culinary tourism business, offering guided food tours through St. John’s while supporting local restaurants, food vendors and other small businesses.
The acquisition of the vehicle will allow the company to diversify its tour packages, accommodate additional visitors and strengthen partnerships with local businesses throughout Antigua and Barbuda.
Cabinet further approved a loan of EC$85,000 to Mr. Genardo Mathias, trading as Fresh Acres Enterprise, to support the expansion of the agricultural business.
The financing will facilitate the construction of a greenhouse, installation of a hydroponic farming system, construction of a chill room and the importation of equipment required to increase year-round agricultural production.
The investment is expected to improve storage capacity, reduce post-harvest losses, expand the supply of fresh local produce and strengthen Antigua and Barbuda’s food security.
Cabinet noted that each of the approved projects demonstrates the important role that local entrepreneurs continue to play in driving economic growth, creating employment and expanding opportunities across multiple sectors of the economy, including retail, tourism and agriculture.
The Government reaffirmed that the Prime Minister’s Entrepreneurial Development Programme remains a key pillar of its economic empowerment strategy, providing accessible financing and business support to entrepreneurs with viable projects that contribute to national development.
Cabinet encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs and existing business owners to continue taking advantage of the financing and business development opportunities available through the Entrepreneurial Development Programme as the Government continues its efforts to build a resilient, diversified and locally owned economy.
