The prayers before Cabinet were led by a Pastor from the Evangelical Association who read from
Isaiah 40:28–31 (King James Version):
28 Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard,
that the everlasting God, the Lord,
the Creator of the ends of the earth,
fainteth not, neither is weary?
there is no searching of his understanding.
29 He giveth power to the faint;
and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.
30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary,
and the young men shall utterly fall:
31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings as eagles;
they shall run, and not be weary;
and they shall walk, and not faint.
It’s one of the most uplifting passages in Isaiah — reminding us that God’s strength never fails, and that those who trust in Him will find renewed energy, endurance, and hope. The Pastor, calling each Cabinet Member by name, prayed for them and their families and ask for God’s Guidance in their execution of their various duties in their Ministries.
1. The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda, chaired by Acting Prime Minister the Hon. Sir Steadroy Benjamin in the absence of Prime Minister the Hon. Gaston Browne—who is currently in Brazil attending the Conference of the Parties (COP30)—convened its regular meeting this week.
The meeting opened with Members extending high commendation to the Minister for Festivals, the Hon. Daryll Matthew, and his team for the outstanding execution of the 44th Independence Anniversary celebrations. The Cabinet also praised the nation’s youth for their remarkable participation in the Youth Rally and the Junior Panorama Competition.
Particular recognition was given to the success of the Junior Panorama Competition, with Members noting its excellent organization and vibrant performances. The Cabinet discussed the possibility of using the Junior Panorama as a model for enhancing the Senior Panorama during Carnival. One proposal under consideration is to host the Senior Panorama at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, utilizing a similar two-stage format. Further discussions on this initiative will continue.
The Cabinet also extended congratulations to all participants in the Independence activities and to the winners across the various events.
Her Excellency the Rt. Hon. Shirley Botchwey, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, who attended the Ceremonial Parade and National Awards, also expressed high praise for the organizers of the event. In a meeting with Acting Prime Minister Sir Steadroy Benjamin, the Secretary-General conveyed her admiration for Prime Minister Gaston Browne, acknowledging his early and steadfast support for her candidacy as Commonwealth Secretary-General. She commended his leadership and his strong advocacy on behalf of Small Island Developing States in the international arena.
Secretary-General Botchwey expressed confidence that Antigua and Barbuda will be fully prepared to host thousands of delegates and guests when the nation welcomes the Commonwealth family for the 2026 Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in November 2026.
2. Last week, the Cabinet received an update on the status of Antigua and Barbuda students pursuing studies in Jamaica and the Republic of Cuba, two countries that were affected by the passage of Hurricane Melissa.
The Government secured 53 Antigua and Barbuda students in the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel for a period of seven days. The students have since returned to their various universities, with some resuming their studies, while others are participating in the recovery of their various institutions.
This week, the Cabinet was informed of letters from the Antigua and Barbuda Student Association of Jamaica, expressing Gratitude to the Honourable Prime Minister Gaston Browne and officials within his Office for the support given them during the passage of Hurricane Melissa.
During the passage of Hurricane Melissa, students from Antigua and Barbuda studying in Jamaica were affected by adverse weather conditions that posed risks to their safety and wellbeing. In response, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, through the Office of the Prime Minister and the coordinated assistance for the students, including temporary accommodation arrangements at the Pegasus Hotel and other logistical support.
In letters addressed to the Prime Minister, the Hon. Gaston Browne, and Mr. Maurice Merchant, Director-General of Communications, Ms. Jewel Moore extended the Association’s profound gratitude for the swift and thoughtful response of the Government during the emergency.
The correspondence highlights the government’s role in ensuring the safety and comfort of students abroad, particularly through the coordination of accommodation and potential evacuation plans via LIAT20
The Association commended the government’s compassion and commitment to the welfare of students studying overseas, describing it as a reflection of the nation’s values and dedication to the youth of Antigua and Barbuda.
The letters also noted that these actions not only safeguarded the students physically but strengthened their sense of pride and connection to their homeland.
The Cabinet took note Cabinet of the letters of appreciation received from the Antigua and Barbuda Student Association Jamaica; and extended commendations to Prime Minister Gaston Browne for his quick action and all officials who participated in coordinating the government’s response to ensure the welfare and safety of Antiguan and Barbudan students abroad during Hurricane Melissa.
3. The Cabinet received the Crime Statistics Breakdown Report, Firearm and Ammunition Arrest Report, and Statistics Unit Report for October 2025 from the Criminal Record Office. The reports provide comparative data with 2024, identifying trends in major offences and reporting challenges within the statistics system.
Key Findings
A. General Crime Trends (Jan–Oct 2024 vs Jan–Oct 2025)
• Overall crime decreased by 10.3%, with total reported offences falling from 3,034 in 2024 to 2,720 in 2025.
Major reductions were recorded in among others:
• Breaking and Larceny: ↓ 66 cases (-9%)
• Burglary: ↓ 24 cases (-27%)
• Robbery: ↓ 13 cases (-12%)
• Larceny: ↓ 55 cases (-6%)
• Malicious Damage: ↓ 79 cases (-19%)
Increases were observed in among others:
• Indecent Assault: ↑ 7 cases (+50%)
• Aggravated Robbery: ↑ 16 cases (+57%)
• Sacrilege: ↑ 10 cases (+59%)
• Murder remained stable at 10. One less than 2024 cases
B. Firearm and Ammunition Arrests (Jan–Oct 2025)
• A total of 44 individuals were arrested for firearm-related offences.
• Males: 37
• Females: 4
• Juveniles: 3
• 25 firearms were seized, including:
• 6 modified flare guns
• 2 modified nail guns
• 2 rifles
• 1 imitation firearm
• Ammunition recovered: 290 rounds.
• Convictions: 17 individuals were convicted for firearm or ammunition possession.
• The data indicate continued firearm circulation, though enforcement remains active
C. Observations
1. The downward trend in total crimes suggests effective policing strategies, particularly against property crimes.
2. Firearm possession and modification of weapons (e.g., flare and nail guns) continue to pose a security risk.
Among some of the Recommendations supported by the Cabinet are:
.• Targeted Policing Initiatives:
• Expand firearm tracing and intelligence operations to reduce illicit weapon entry.
• Increase public awareness on illegal firearm possession penalties.
•. Community and Victim Support:
•. Inter-Agency Coordination:
• Facilitate improved collaboration between the Police, Customs, and Coast Guard to intercept illegal firearm shipments.
4. Cabinet noted the receipt of a letter by the Cabinet Secretary from the Leader of the Opposition on the matter of unauthorized government transactions regarding motor vehicles. A response is forthcoming.
5. The Cabinet received and considered a Proposal for the Establishment of a Long and Exemplary Public Service Award from His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams.
The proposal for the creation of a Long and Exemplary Public Service Medal, approved by His Majesty The King, is to recognize public officers who have demonstrated faithful and meritorious service to the Government and people of Antigua and Barbuda.
The proposed award seeks to honour public servants with at least twenty-five (25) years of unblemished service and whose performance has been exemplary.
The Office of the Governor General has also provided a draft outline detailing the objectives, award criteria, eligibility, nomination and selection process, and categories of recognition.
The proposal suggests three levels of distinction — Gold, Silver, and Certificate of Merit — with nominations to be made by the Prime Minister, Ministers, or the Cabinet and submitted to Government House for consideration by a selection committee.
The Governor General further recommends that a small number of medals be awarded annually, with presentations taking place at Government House.
The Cabinet acknowledges that the proposal for the introduction of the Long and Exemplary Public Service Award is under review by the relevant authorities, with a report to be submitted to Cabinet in due course. Consultations are ongoing to review the framework, eligibility criteria, and administrative processes outlined by the Office of the Governor General.
