The prayers before Cabinet were led by the Cabinet Secretary, whose meditation centred Jeremiah 10:23
“Lord, I know that people’s lives are not their own; it is not for them to direct their steps.”
The verse reminds us that, no matter how confident or capable we may feel, our lives are not fully within our own control. Human wisdom, planning, and effort have limits. This verse calls us to humility — an acknowledgment that true direction comes from God alone.
The Cabinet Secretary noted that in moments of uncertainty, pressure, or decision-making, this scripture invites us to pause and surrender our own understanding. When we recognize that God orders our steps, we open ourselves to guidance that is wiser, steadier, and more purposeful than anything we could design on our own.
He said that trusting God’s direction does not remove responsibility from us; rather, it anchors our actions in faith. He prayed for members to allow God to lead, our paths that they be meaningful, guided, and aligned with His will.
1. The Cabinet Meeting was chaired by Acting Prime Minister, the Hon. Sir Steadroy Benjamin as Prime Minister Gaston Browne is in Dubai, United Arab Emirates attending the World Governments Summit where he and Minister Maria Browne and the Antigua and Barbuda delegation are engaging in high-level dialogue on governance, innovation and sustainable development issues.
The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda today received a comprehensive briefing from General Manager of the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA), Mr. John Bradshaw, and Acting Water Business Unit Manager, Mr. Jason Peters, on the current status of the national water supply system and ongoing efforts to strengthen water distribution across the country.
During the presentation, Cabinet was informed of the challenges facing the country’s water infrastructure, including limited storage capacity, aging pipelines, and the need for improved pressure and flow management, particularly during periods of high demand and dry weather conditions. The APUA team outlined the vulnerability of certain areas, especially central, eastern, and south-eastern communities, and explained how elevation and pressure limitations affect regular water delivery.
Mr. Bradshaw advised Cabinet that APUA is actively implementing measures to mitigate shortages, including the upgrading of pumps, the installation of booster stations, and improvements to pressure-management systems. These interventions are designed to ensure more consistent distribution and to better support weaker areas of the network.
The Acting Water Manager, Mr. Jason Peters, highlighted the importance of semi-automation and eventual full automation of key components of the water distribution system. Cabinet was told that automation would significantly reduce service disruptions, minimize pipe ruptures caused by excessive pressure, and allow for real-time monitoring and control of water flow across the island. Cabinet immediately approved the allocation of financing for the procurement of an automation system.
Cabinet was further advised that APUA has already made progress in modernizing some facilities and is working to close existing gaps in the system by the end of the first quarter of this year. Plans are also underway to expand storage capacity and to integrate additional infrastructure to improve resilience in the event of plant outages or prolonged dry conditions.
Cabinet welcomed the detailed presentation and emphasized the need for a comprehensive, prioritized strategy to be submitted, outlining immediate, medium-term, and long-term solutions. Members reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to supporting APUA’s efforts to deliver a more reliable, efficient, and sustainable water supply for residents, businesses, and the tourism sector.
The public is assured that the Government and APUA will continue to keep citizens informed as these works progress and as further improvements to the national water system are rolled out.
2. The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has approved a request by the Ministry of Education, Sports and Creative Industries to enter into a loan agreement with the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB)to finance the Education Enhancement and Quality Improvement Project (EEQuIP), a major national initiative aimed at strengthening the quality, resilience, and inclusiveness of the education system.
The approved loan will support wide-ranging investments in education infrastructure, institutional strengthening, teacher training, and capacity building across the sector.
The decision builds on the successful implementation of the Basic Education Project II (BEPII), which has delivered significant improvements to school infrastructure, teacher development, and policy reform. With BEPII nearing completion in June 2026, EEQuIP is designed to sustain and expand these gains while addressing emerging demands within the education system.
Under the project, major infrastructure expansion, rehabilitation, and repair works will be undertaken at Antigua Girls’ High School, Ottos Comprehensive School, Sir Novelle Richards Academy, and Golden Grove Primary School,providing more than 93,000 square feet of additional learning space and improving the safety and quality of school environments.
The project also includes the procurement of modern furniture and equipment, ensuring that upgraded facilities are fully functional and fit for purpose. In addition, EEQuIP will strengthen governance and operational frameworks within the education sector through the development of national standards for educational facilities, the implementation of a School Health and Safety Programme, School Improvement Grant initiatives, and a feasibility study for the repurposing of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) centres.
A strong emphasis will be placed on capacity building and human resource development, including specialized training for teachers and educators in Special Education, Mathematics, Sciences, Modern Languages, and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). Professional development programmes will also focus on differentiated instruction, instructional leadership, formative assessment, literacy and numeracy, gender awareness, and inclusive education practices.
Cabinet also approved the engagement of project management and procurement consultancy services to ensure compliance with CDB guidelines and the timely and effective delivery of goods and services.
The Government reaffirmed its commitment to modernising the education system and equipping students and educators with the tools, infrastructure, and skills required to meet current and future national development needs. The EEQuIP initiative represents a strategic investment in human capital and underscores the Government’s vision of building a high-performing, inclusive, and resilient education system for Antigua and Barbuda.
3. The Cabinet has approved a request by the Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority (ABAA) to proceed with a selective tendering process to engage qualified consultants for the design of comprehensive Airport Master Plans for both the V. C. Bird International Airport and the Barbuda International Airport.
The approval follows consideration of a submission from the Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment, which highlighted the urgent need to update and modernize long-term planning frameworks for the country’s principal air transport facilities. The most recent Master Plan for V. C. Bird International Airport was completed in 2005 and has not been reviewed in the intervening years, despite significant growth in passenger traffic, air cargo movements, and major infrastructure developments, including the construction of a new terminal and the commissioning of the Barbuda International Airport.
Cabinet recognized that the preparation of updated Master Plans is essential to guide the orderly expansion, modernization, and sustainable development of both airports over the next thirty years. The Master Planning process will include stakeholder engagement, facility and infrastructure assessments, aviation demand forecasting, environmental considerations, evaluation of development alternatives, preparation of airport layout plans, and the formulation of phased implementation strategies.
In keeping with established procurement regulations, the ABAA will seek the approval of the Procurement Board and will issue Requests for Proposals through both national and international platforms to ensure transparency and the participation of reputable and experienced aviation planning firms. The Airports Council International network will also be utilized as part of the outreach process.
Cabinet reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening national aviation infrastructure as a critical pillar of economic growth, tourism development, and international connectivity. The initiation of the Airport Master Planning process represents a strategic investment in the long-term resilience and competitiveness of Antigua and Barbuda’s air transport sector.
4. The Cabinet has been advised by the Honourable Attorney General that the Government has successfully completed the purchase and delivery of two additional water tankers to support the operations of the national Fire Service.
The newly acquired tankers will complement the existing fleet of 19 fire tenders currently in service and are expected to significantly strengthen the Fire Service’s emergency response capacity. The tankers have water storage capacities of 2,000 gallons and 3,500 gallons respectively, providing critical additional supply during firefighting operations.
Cabinet welcomed the acquisition, noting that the enhanced water-carrying capability will substantially reduce the likelihood of water shortages during intense or prolonged fire incidents. The additional resources are expected to improve operational efficiency, response effectiveness, and overall public safety.
The Government continues to prioritize investments in essential emergency services infrastructure to ensure that first responders are adequately equipped to protect lives and property across the nation.
