The prayers before Cabinet were led by A Pastor from the Salvation Army, whose meditation centred on Psalm 25: 4-5, 9 and Psalm 37: 5, 23: which teaches that Good leadership begins with humility—seeking God’s direction rather than relying only on personal judgment.:
1. Psalm 25:4–5, 9
“Show me your ways, LORD,
teach me your paths.
Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior…
He guides the humble in what is right
and teaches them his way.”
Psalm 37:5, 23
“Commit your way to the LORD;
trust in him and he will do this…
The LORD makes firm the steps
of the one who delights in him.”
Which teaches that Decision-making that is rooted in trust produces stability and confidence.
He prayed God’s guidance on the decisions of the Cabinet and prayed also for their families.
2. Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting, was chaired by Prime Minister the Hon. Gaston Browne, who welcomed members and opened discussions on the weekend’s One Nation Concert. The Prime Minister and members of the Cabinet extended warm congratulations to the Honourable Minister responsible for Festivals, Daryl Matthew on the successful hosting of the two-day One Nation Music Festival. The Cabinet says the event stood as a shining example of excellence in planning, coordination, and execution, and Cabinet is of the firm view that it was one of the best organized and executed festivals staged in Antigua and Barbuda. The seamless operations, strong attendance, high-quality performances, and overall positive atmosphere reflected clear vision, effective leadership, and meticulous preparation, the Cabinet says.
Cabinet further acknowledges that the festival not only celebrated music and culture, but also powerfully embodied the spirit of unity and national pride for which it was named. The One Nation Music Festival showcased Antigua and Barbuda’s capacity to deliver world-class cultural events while strengthening community cohesion and enhancing the country’s reputation as a premier destination for entertainment and culture.
Special commendation is extended to the Chairman of Festivals, Ambassador Elizabeth McKhoul, and her entire team, whose dedication, professionalism, and tireless efforts were instrumental to the festival’s success. Their attention to detail, commitment to excellence, and collaborative approach set a high benchmark for future national events.
Cabinet also expresses sincere gratitude to the general public, whose enthusiastic support and strong turnout contributed significantly to the vibrant energy and overall success of the festival. Appreciation is equally extended to all service providers, security personnel, vendors, technicians, artists, volunteers and support staff, whose professionalism and cooperation ensured a safe, well-managed, and enjoyable experience for all. Their collective efforts underscore the importance of partnership in delivering national events of the highest standard.
3. The Minister for Health, Wellness and the Environment, the Hon. Sir Molwyn Joseph, has assured the Cabinet and the public that there is no dengue outbreak or unusual increase in arboviral diseases in Antigua and Barbuda at this time.
The Minister told Cabinet that based on current epidemiological surveillance and laboratory-confirmed data, all indicators for dengue and other arboviral illnesses remain within expected baseline levels. Routine public health monitoring continues to show no evidence of abnormal disease activity.
Laboratory-confirmed arboviral disease data from 2022 to 2026 demonstrate the following: (shows incidents of dengue are on the decrease)
- Dengue Fever:
- 2022: 2 cases
- 2023: 106 cases
- 2024: 18 cases
- 2025: 11 cases
- 2026 (to date): 0 cases
- Zika Virus:
- Only 2 confirmed cases in 2025
- No confirmed cases in 2022, 2023, 2024, or 2026 to date
- Chikungunya, Oropouche Fever, and Yellow Fever:
- Zero laboratory-confirmed cases reported from 2022 to 2026
The Cabinet concluded that these figures confirm that arboviral activity remains low and controlled, with no indication of sustained transmission or outbreak conditions.
The Minister for Health told Cabinet that the Ministry’s public health surveillance systems remain fully active, ensuring continuous monitoring, early detection, and rapid response should there be any change in disease patterns. The public will be promptly informed if surveillance data indicate any increase in risk.
The Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment encourages residents to remain vigilant by practicing routine mosquito control measures, including eliminating standing water and using appropriate personal protection, while reaffirming that there is no cause for public alarm at this time.
The Ministry remains committed to transparency, evidence-based public health action, and the continued protection of the health and well-being of all residents of Antigua and Barbuda.
4. Cabinet was informed by the CHOGM 2026 Taskforce on the current status of preparations for Antigua and Barbuda’s hosting of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2026.
The Taskforce reported that planning has reached an advanced stage, with all teams fully established and operational, working closely with the Commonwealth Secretariat and relevant Commonwealth organisations. Inter-agency and inter-ministry coordination has improved significantly, strengthening national readiness and reducing execution risk.
Cabinet was advised that operational planning and execution training delivered by the Canadian Military in December significantly enhanced contingency planning and positioned the Taskforce to move from planning into delivery.
Known risks were outlined and are being actively managed. Accommodation was highlighted as a critical and time-sensitive workstream. The Taskforce is actively mitigating risks.
Cabinet was further informed that countries are formally engaging the High Commission to offer support, and that the CHOGM budget is nearing completion and will be presented at the next Cabinet meeting.
Cabinet noted the update and the continued progress toward delivering a secure, well-coordinated, and successful CHOGM 2026.
5. Cabinet, at this week’s meeting, reaffirmed its commitment to the strengthening and long-term sustainability of Antigua and Barbuda’s national health system, noting the Government’s continued focus on expanding and stabilising the healthcare workforce.
In this regard, Cabinet welcomed the arrival of one hundred and twenty (120) nurses from the Republic of Ghana over the weekend of January 23, 2026, who will serve within the public healthcare system of Antigua and Barbuda. The Honourable Minister for Health, Sir Molwyn Joseph, announced that these nurses will be deployed primarily at the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre, as well as within community health clinics and schools, thereby enhancing both hospital-based and community-level healthcare delivery.
Cabinet agreed that the availability of this expanded cadre of health professionals will allow the Government to manage a smooth, orderly, and responsible transition in certain service arrangements involving other medical professionals currently working in Antigua and Barbuda. This transition is being undertaken carefully to ensure continuity of care and the uninterrupted provision of essential health services to the population.
In addition, Cabinet underscored the Government’s ongoing push totrain more nurses locally through the University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus, as a strategic response to the persistent shortage of nurses in the public health service. This investment in local training and capacity-building reflects the Government’s long-term approach to developing a resilient, sustainable, and self-reliant healthcare workforce for Antigua and Barbuda.
