Report from the Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda Meeting of Wednesday, 17th December 2025

The prayers before Cabinet were led by Pastor Baltimore from the Church of God of Prophecy – Cooks Hill who read from Psalm 46:1 which reads:

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

Psalm 46:1 reminds us that God is not distant or delayed. He is present—here, now, and attentive—especially in moments of trouble. The verse does not promise the absence of hardship; instead, it assures us of God’s nearness within it.

The Pastor noted that to call God our refuge is to confess that safety is found not in circumstances, power, or control, but in trusting Him. A refuge is a place we run to when danger approaches, not after the storm has passed. Likewise, God invites us to seek Him first, not as a last resort.

He said that God is also our strength—not merely emotional comfort, but the sustaining power that enables us to endure, to stand, and to move forward when our own strength is exhausted.

And finally, the pastor noted that He is a very present help. This speaks of availability and faithfulness. God does not abandon us in crisis; He meets us there. Even when answers are delayed, His presence is immediate.

Concluding, the Pastor stated that Psalm 46:1 calls us to rest in this truth: we are never alone, and we are never without help.In every season of uncertainty, God remains our refuge, our strength, and our sure help.

The Pastor prayed that the Cabinet will place their trust in God to lift them out of any trouble and guide their actions.  During the Season of Giving, the Pastor admonished them to give freely and show genuine love for their people.

1. Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting was chaired by Acting Prime Minister the Hon. Steadroy Benjamin, as Prime Minister Gaston Browne is overseas on official business. Cabinet commenced its discussions with consideration of a proclamation issued by the Government of the United States,which suspends, with effect from January 1, 2026, the issuance of United States visas to nationals of Antigua and Barbuda.

Cabinet received status updates from Prime Minister Gaston Browne via telephone, as well as from the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. E. P. Chet Greene, and Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the United States, Sir Ronald Sanders. All advised Cabinet that active efforts are underway to seek clarification of the proclamation and to secure the restoration of normal visa access for citizens of Antigua and Barbuda.

In the absence of any new information, Cabinet endorsed the statement previously issued and published by the Prime Minister regarding the U.S. visa restrictions. Cabinet will continue to await official communication on the matter and will keep the public informed as further information becomes available.

2. Cabinet met with key stakeholders from the English Harbour area to address ongoing concerns regarding noise pollution, particularly arising from night-time entertainment activities within the National Parks jurisdiction.

The meeting was convened to:

• Hear concerns from residents, homeowners, and hoteliers regarding noise nuisance;
• Allow club operators and business owners to outline the economic importance of nightlife activities;
• Review the existing legal and regulatory framework governing noise abatement; and
• Establish a balanced, workable compromise that protects residential amenity while supporting tourism, culture, and business activity.

  Participants:

• Homeowners and residents of English Harbour
• Restaurateurs, club operators, and hoteliers
• National Parks Authority (NPA)
• Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda

  Stakeholders outlined that English Harbour is a shared space comprising three principal demographics:

1. Residents and homeowners, including families, school children, and elderly persons;
2. Hoteliers and guest house operators, whose guests expect rest and comfort; and
3. Entertainment and hospitality operators, whose businesses contribute significantly to the tourism economy and cultural vibrancy of the area.

   The Hon. E. P. Chet Greene, Minister for the area, emphasised the need for compromise, shared responsibility, and respect for all stakeholders. He stressed that the objective was not to shut down music or nightlife, but to regulate activities in a manner that balances economic, cultural, and residential interests.

   The Minister proposed a structured operating framework distinguishing between weekends, weekdays, and special events, supported by enforcement and community notification.

   Following discussion, Cabinet agreed to the following framework, which was accepted by stakeholders:

4.1 Operating Hours for Clubs and Entertainment Establishments

1. Fridays and Saturdays
   • Clubs and entertainment establishments may operate until 3:00 a.m.
2. Sundays to Thursdays
   • Operations must conclude by 1:00 a.m. 
3. Special Occasions
   • Extended hours may be permitted for:
     • Antigua Sailing Week;
     • Public Holidays; and
     • Other special events, subject to approval by the National Parks Authority.
4. Daytime Noise

There shall be no noise nuisance during daytime hours, and sound levels must remain within acceptable limits at all times.

Cabinet further agreed that:

• Operators are required to adjust and calibrate sound systems to reduce sound travel and minimize noise pollution;
• External speaker placement and excessive amplification are discouraged;
• Music volumes should be managed in a manner that allows patrons to enjoy entertainment without unduly affecting nearby residences and hotels.

  It was agreed that:

• The National Parks Authority, in collaboration with the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda, will act as custodians of the agreed framework;
• Operators who fail to comply may be subject to warnings, penalties, or further enforcement action for continued violations;
• The National Parks Authority will be responsible for issuing approvals for special events and for notifying the community in advance when extended hours are authorised.

  Cabinet noted that:

• The arrangements will be reviewed after an initial period, taking into account the impact of major events such as Sailing Week;

Adjustments may be made based on compliance levels, community feedback, and overall effectiveness of the framework.

Cabinet noted that the meeting provided an opportunity for all stakeholders to engage constructively and reaffirmed the importance of shared space, mutual respect, and responsible regulation in English Harbour.

Cabinet endorsed the agreed framework as a policy of compromise, intended to:

• Protect residents and hotel guests from unreasonable noise disturbance;
• Allow entertainment operators to continue operating viably; and
• Preserve English Harbour as a premier cultural and tourism destination.

  Cabinet further directed that the National Parks Authority and relevant agencies ensure clear communication, consistent enforcement, and ongoing dialogue with stakeholders.

3. Mr. Justin Wilshaw, Chief Operations Manager of the PLH Project / Barbuda Ocean Club (BOC), made a presentation to Cabinet on the status, contributions, and proposed next-phase initiatives of the PLH / Barbuda Ocean Club Project

The PLH / Barbuda Ocean Club Project is a long-term, phased development in Barbuda, guided by the Barbuda Master Plan and designed to support sustainable tourism, employment, and infrastructure development.

Cabinet was advised that to date the project has achieved the following:

• Completion of 50 homes and condominiums, representing approximately 280 bedrooms, with 112 completed property sales;
• Total investment to date of approximately US$650 million (about EC$1.5 billion);
• Completion and operation of an 18-hole golf course and associated amenities;
• Employment of 402 persons, including:
  • 176 Barbudans,
  • 139 Antiguans,
  • 44 OECS nationals, and
  • 43 CARICOM and expatriate nationals

PLH further advised that there remains an estimated US$2.0 billion in planned future investment across subsequent phases of the project.

Cabinet was advised that so far for  2025, PLH made total payments of approximately EC$21.3 million to the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, including about EC$3.1 million paid directly to the Barbuda Council.

These contributions include payments for:

• Antigua and Barbuda Sales Tax;
• Customs and port charges;
• Social Security and Medical Benefits;
• Land lease payments;
• Immigration and related fees.

PLH indicated that, subject to the resolution of outstanding matters, annual contributions could 

Cabinet was briefed on a proposal to construct a strategic road corridor linking Codrington, the Barbuda Airport, Port, River Dock, and Palmetto, with the following features:

• Approximate length of 5.3–5.4 miles;
• Two-lane carriageway with associated drainage and roundabouts;
• Estimated construction period of 15–18 months;
• Estimated cost of approximately US$12 million.

The proposed financing model involves upfront, zero-interest financing by a PLH-affiliated entity, with cost recovery through a defined portion of stamp duty collected on third-party property resales, subject to Cabinet approval and legal agreement.

No final decision has been taken, and the matter is subject to further review by the Ministry of Works, Legal Affairs, and other relevant agencies.

Cabinet was advised of a proposal to establish a marine reserve at Coco Bay, recognising its ecological importance as a turtle habitat and kite-surfing area.

Key elements include:

• PLH-funded turtle monitoring, currently estimated at US$80,000 per annum;
• PLH-funded installation of mooring buoys (estimated at US$250,000) to prevent anchoring damage;
• Establishment of governance and revenue arrangements to be determined by Government.

PLH also proposed the establishment of a recycling facility on Barbuda, structured as a non-profit entity, with Board representation from:

• The Government of Antigua and Barbuda,
• The Barbuda Council, and
• PLH.

In support of national development objectives, PLH also expressed willingness to:

• Invest in the training of local trades and skills affiliated with the Antigua and Barbuda Institute of Continuing Education; and
• Increase participation of local businesses and contractors in construction and related

  Cabinet noted the presentation and agreed that:

• Draft agreements relating to the road corridor, marine reserve, and mooring infrastructure should be prepared for further consideration;
• Relevant Ministries and agencies will continue inter-ministerial engagement with PLH and the Barbuda Council; and No binding commitments have been entered into pending Cabinet and legal review.

The Government remains committed to ensuring that all major investments in Barbuda proceed in a manner that is transparent, environmentally responsible, and aligned with national development priorities, while delivering tangible benefits for Barbudans and Antiguans alike.

4. The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda and cricket enthusiasts across the nation are celebrating the selection of four talented young Antiguans and Barbudans to the West Indies Under-19 Cricket Team as the squad builds for key international competition, including preparations toward the ICC Under-19 World Cup and ongoing Youth ODI fixtures. 

The players selected are:

• Jewel Andrew
• Matthew Miller
• Micah McKenzie

Tanez Francis

These young cricketers have earned their places in the regional setup through standout performances in local and Leeward Islands youth competitions. 

Jewel Andrew, a standout 17-year-old wicketkeeper-batter, brings impressive credentials to the squad. He has already represented the West Indies at senior level, making his One Day International debut in October 2024 at age 17, and has featured in T20 Internationals as well. Andrew plays domestically for the Leeward Islands and the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons, and has been recognised as one of the Caribbean’s most promising young cricketers. 

Andrew was also a leading performer at the 2024 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup in South Africa, where he scored a century—130 runs in an opening match—highlighting his batting prowess at youth level.

Matthew Miller and Tanez Francis have already represented the Leeward Islands Under-19 team, and Micah McKenzie was called up mid-series to the West Indies Under-19 squad during its Youth ODI series against England. 

The West Indies Under-19 team recently commenced a seven-match Youth ODI series against England in Grenada, forming an important part of the squad’s preparation and momentum ahead of World Cup commitments. 

The Cabinet noted that the inclusion of these four young Antiguans and Barbudans highlights the strength of youth cricket development in the country and reflects the potential of our emerging players on the regional and world stage.

The Cabinet and people of Antigua and Barbuda extend warm congratulations to Jewel Andrew, Matthew Miller, Micah McKenzie, and Tanez Francis on their selection, and wish them success as they represent the Caribbean with pride.

 5. This is the final Cabinet Meeting for the year.  Cabinet wishes to extend best of compliments of the Season for a peaceful and joyful celebration of our Saviour’s birth and a bright and prosperous 2026.