Pastor Ivor Davis led the meditation at the meeting of the Cabinet, drawing his message
from Hebrews 3:7–8, which declares: “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” He
encouraged members of the Cabinet to remain attentive to the voice of God and to guard against
developing hearts that become hardened by difficulties, disappointments or the pressures of
leadership.

Pastor Davis reflected on the experience of the children of Israel during their journey through the
wilderness. Although God had delivered them from bondage and continued to provide for their
needs, they became dissatisfied and rebellious. Their circumstances caused them to lose sight of
God’s provision and to develop a negative attitude towards their journey and their leadership. The
lesson, he said, is that when God speaks, His people must be prepared to listen rather than allow
frustration or impatience to close their hearts.

He reminded the Cabinet that God speaks with love and compassion. His voice is not intended to
drive His people away, but to draw them closer to Him. Pastor Davis likened God’s relationship with
His people to that of loving parents who speak to their children with care, creating an environment
in which they feel able to bring their concerns, fears and difficulties. In the same manner, God
invites His people to approach Him confidently and to maintain an open relationship with Him.
The Pastor further reminded members that a believing heart is essential to hearing and following
God’s direction. He referred to Hebrews 3:12 and warned against allowing unbelief to cause the
heart to turn away from the living God. Even when God’s direction may not immediately be
understood, he encouraged the Cabinet to trust that God’s wisdom and provision remain sufficient.
Applying the message directly to leadership, Pastor Davis encouraged Cabinet members to cultivate
hearts that remain receptive to divine guidance as they deliberate on matters affecting the nation.
Leadership brings difficult choices and competing demands, but the warning of Hebrews remains
relevant: do not allow the heart to become hardened. Instead, leaders should listen carefully, remain
humble, encourage one another and seek God’s wisdom in the decisions entrusted to them.

He emphasised the importance of encouragement, recalling the instruction in Hebrews to encourage
one another so that hearts are not hardened. Words spoken around the Cabinet table, he suggested,
should therefore contribute to wisdom, understanding and unity, particularly when members are
required to confront difficult national issues.

Pastor Davis concluded the meditation in prayer, thanking God for His continuing love and
compassion and for the privilege of being able to hear His voice amid life’s challenges. He presented
the members of Cabinet before God and prayed that the decisions taken around the Cabinet table
would be in accordance with God’s will and for the good of the people of Antigua and Barbuda. He
asked for divine wisdom, protection and guidance, and prayed that the work of the nation’s leaders
would contribute to peace and prosperity throughout the country.

He prayed God’s blessing upon the Cabinet and its deliberations, asking that God’s presence remain
with its members throughout the meeting and that, in all things, God would be honoured and
glorified.

1. Cabinet Convenes Police and Customs Leadership as Government Intensifies Response to
Gun Crime and Illegal Firearms

The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda on Wednesday held extensive discussions with the senior
leadership of the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda and the Customs and Excise Division
as the Government intensifies its response to gun-related crime and the proliferation of illegal
firearms.

The officials were invited to Cabinet by Acting Prime Minister and Minister responsible for Public
Safety, the Honourable Sir Steadroy Benjamin, as Cabinet examined additional measures to
strengthen law enforcement, border controls and the detection of firearms and ammunition entering
the country.

At the outset of the discussions, Cabinet reflected on the human toll of the recent incidents of gun
violence and expressed its deepest condolences to the family, relatives and friends of Sequanya
Anthony, whose life was taken in a recent shooting incident.

Cabinet said the loss of a young life to gun violence is deeply troubling and painful, not only for the
family affected but for the entire nation. Members of Cabinet extended their sympathies to Ms.
Anthony’s loved ones during this period of grief.

Cabinet also expressed its concern for the two brothers who were injured during the shooting
incident and joined their family and the wider community in praying for their speedy and complete
recovery.

Cabinet made clear that such incidents reinforce the urgency with which the Government, law-
enforcement agencies and the wider society must confront gun violence and the circulation of illegal
firearms.

The Comptroller of Customs was questioned extensively on the procedures governing the
examination and clearance of containers entering Antigua and Barbuda.

Cabinet advised that greater attention and scrutiny must be applied during the container-clearance
process, particularly as the Government seeks to close potential avenues through which illegal
firearms, ammunition and other contraband could enter the country.

Cabinet also directed the Comptroller to expedite the acquisition of portable scanning
equipment and to accelerate efforts towards bringing the Port’s container scanner fully into
operation.

As a further strengthening of the country’s detection capabilities, Cabinet gave its approval for the
acquisition of K9 detection dogs for deployment at the Port, specially trained to assist authorities in
detecting firearms, ammunition and currency.

Cabinet noted that stronger border enforcement is a critical component of the national response to
gun crime, since preventing illegal weapons from entering the country must complement efforts to
recover firearms already circulating within communities.

During the discussions with the Police leadership, Cabinet directed the Police to intensify their
enforcement efforts and adopt a more forceful and sustained posture against crime and lawlessness.
Cabinet emphasised that there must be consistent and visible enforcement of the law and that the
Police should address not only serious and violent offences but also smaller offences and acts of
lawlessness which, if left unchecked, can contribute to a wider disregard for law and order.

The Police leadership was therefore encouraged to maintain a strong presence in communities,
intensify intelligence-led operations and utilise all lawful means available to disrupt criminal activity
and remove illegal firearms from the streets.

Cabinet reaffirmed that persons who choose to engage in criminal activity must understand that law-
enforcement agencies will pursue them and bring them before the courts.
Cabinet also reiterated its previous instruction to the Police to intensify enforcement against illegally
tinted vehicles.

The Police were advised to exercise the powers available to them to have non-compliant vehicles
impounded and taken to the Government Motor Pool for assessment and the removal of illegal tint.

Cabinet was advised that the processing period for the assessment and removal of tint from vehicles
taken to the Motor Pool is estimated to be a minimum of two weeks.

Motorists are therefore encouraged to ensure that their vehicles comply with the applicable legal
requirements and to remove illegal tint voluntarily rather than risk having their vehicles impounded.
During their engagement with Cabinet, the Police leadership again raised concerns
regarding sentencing and the granting of bail, particularly in relation to repeat offenders and persons
suspected of committing serious crimes.

Cabinet took note of the concerns expressed by the Police and agreed that the issues surrounding
repeat offending, bail and sentencing remain important elements of the wider national discussion on
crime and the administration of justice. The matter will be addressed during upcoming
parliamentary sitting on Monday and Tuesday of next week.

Cabinet reaffirmed that the fight against crime requires coordinated action across the entire national
security and justice system — including stronger border protection, intelligence gathering, effective
policing, prosecution and the proper administration of justice.

The Acting Prime Minister and Minister responsible for Public Safety, Sir Steadroy Benjamin,
reaffirmed the Government’s determination to provide the Police, Customs and other national
security agencies with the equipment, technology and other resources required to strengthen their
operations.

Cabinet again appealed to citizens and residents to cooperate with the Police and other law-
enforcement agencies and to provide information that could assist in recovering illegal firearms and
identifying and apprehending persons involved in criminal activity.

Cabinet concluded that gun violence cannot be allowed to become normalised within Antigua and
Barbuda and pledged that the Government will continue to pursue measures aimed at protecting
communities, strengthening law enforcement and preserving the peace and security for which the
nation is known.

2. CABINET WELCOMES NEW ARRIVE ANTIGUA IMMIGRATION SYSTEM FOR
ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA CITIZENS

Cabinet has welcomed the implementation of a new and enhanced ArriveAntigua immigration
clearance system at the V.C. Bird International Airport, which is expected to be operational by
September 30, 2026.

The improved system, being introduced by the Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority in
collaboration with the Immigration Department, represents another important step in the
Government’s continuing efforts to modernise border-management services and improve the
experience of Antiguan and Barbudan citizens traveling.

The system will incorporate technology similar to that used in international trusted-traveller and
automated border-clearance programmes, allowing eligible Antiguan and Barbudan travellers to
benefit from a faster and more seamless immigration process.

At the initial stage, Antigua and Barbuda citizens will be the only persons eligible to use the new
expedited system.

The enhanced ArriveAntigua platform will allow eligible citizens to complete relevant immigration
requirements electronically and facilitate the use of automated identity and passport verification
upon arrival and departure. This is expected to reduce the amount of time citizens spend in
traditional immigration queues and provide a more efficient process for returning home.

Cabinet welcomed the initiative as particularly beneficial to citizens who travel frequently, as well as
to families, business travellers and others who regularly use V.C. Bird International Airport.

Cabinet was advised that the new system is intended to create a dedicated and more efficient arrival
experience for Antiguan and Barbudan citizens.

The introduction of automated processing will enable Immigration Officers to focus their attention
on cases requiring additional verification or secondary examination, while routine processing for
eligible citizens can be completed more efficiently.

The initiative is expected to:

•⁠ ⁠significantly reduce waiting times for eligible citizens arriving at the airport;
•⁠ ⁠provide a faster and more convenient immigration clearance process;
•⁠ ⁠make greater use of digital and biometric identity verification;
•⁠ ⁠improve the efficiency of Immigration operations;
•⁠ ⁠reduce congestion during periods of heavy passenger arrivals; and
•⁠ ⁠provide returning citizens with a more modern and seamless welcome home.

Cabinet emphasised that the introduction of the new system does not remove the country’s
immigration and border-security controls. Rather, it uses modern technology to make the process of
verifying the identity of citizens and clearing them through immigration more efficient.

Cabinet views the initiative as part of the wider transformation of Antigua and Barbuda’s border-
management infrastructure and the continued development of V.C. Bird International Airport as a
modern international gateway.

The system will complement the existing ArriveAntigua platform and represents a move towards
greater use of digital processing, automated verification and biometric technology at the country’s
principal international airport.

Cabinet also stressed the importance of ensuring that the new technology is implemented with
appropriate safeguards for the security and integrity of personal and passenger information, and in
accordance with the country’s immigration, data-protection and national-security requirements.

The Government expects the initiative to provide a tangible improvement in the experience of
Antiguan and Barbudan citizens returning home and to demonstrate how technology can be used to
deliver faster, more efficient and citizen-centred public services.

Cabinet therefore welcomed the initiative and expressed its support for the Airport Authority and
Immigration Department as they move toward implementation by the 1 st of November 2026.

The Government remains committed to modernising the delivery of public services and ensuring
that citizens benefit directly from technological advances that improve efficiency, convenience and
the overall experience of returning home to Antigua and Barbuda.

3. Cabinet Approves SargaCycle Partnership to Transform Sargassum into Agricultural Resource

The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has approved a partnership presented by the Minister
responsible for Agriculture, the Hon. Anthony Smith Jr., aimed at developing a more sustainable
national response to the growing challenge posed by sargassum, while creating new opportunities
for agriculture, environmental protection and the circular economy.

The proposal, presented by SargaCycle, seeks to shift Antigua and Barbuda’s response from the
traditional removal and disposal of sargassum towards the offshore collection, processing and
productive use of the seaweed. The company proposes to operate at the intersection of tourism
protection and agricultural development, turning collected sargassum into products that can support
local farming.

Cabinet welcomed the initiative as an innovative approach to a problem that has increasingly
affected beaches, coastal communities, tourism properties, marine ecosystems and other areas of
economic activity.

Central to the approved partnership is the concept of collecting sargassum before it reaches the
shoreline and begins decomposing.

The proposed system uses specialised offshore collection equipment to intercept floating sargassum
and direct it towards skimmers. Once collected, the material is pumped through a sealed pipeline to
an onshore collection point before being transported for processing.

Cabinet was advised that this approach could reduce the need for heavy equipment to operate
directly on beaches, while limiting the amount of sand removed during conventional beach-cleaning
operations.

Of particular interest to the Cabinet is the proposal to transform harvested sargassum into biochar
and liquid biostimulants for agricultural use. The proposal envisages these products being used to
improve soil quality, water retention and crop resilience while contributing to a reduction in reliance
on imported agricultural inputs.

The Minister responsible for Agriculture advised Cabinet that the initiative complements the
Government’s wider efforts to strengthen domestic food production and introduce new
technologies and sustainable practices into the agricultural sector.

Cabinet also welcomed the proposal’s longer-term emphasis on establishing processing and technical
capacity within Antigua and Barbuda.

Under the proposed business model, harvested sargassum would initially be stabilised and refined
locally, with specialised laboratory work undertaken through international partners. By the third year,
SargaCycle proposes to establish additional laboratory and advanced manufacturing operations in
Antigua and Barbuda, creating a local production hub for agricultural products derived from
sargassum.

The proposal also contemplates the use of local talent and the eventual production of organic
agricultural inputs for domestic and export markets.

Cabinet considers this aspect of the partnership particularly important, since the objective is not
simply to remove sargassum from affected coastlines but to extract economic value from a material
that has traditionally been treated as waste.

Cabinet was advised that unmanaged accumulations of sargassum can have implications for marine
ecosystems, coastal areas and surrounding communities. The proposal identifies risks associated with
decomposition, including reduced oxygen levels in coastal waters and the release of gases from
rotting accumulations.

The approved partnership therefore supports a more proactive approach in which sargassum is
collected offshore and transported for productive use rather than being allowed to accumulate on
beaches or being routinely disposed of inland.

The company has also proposed working with Government on the management of sargassum
affecting public beaches, heritage sites, government-managed bays, fishing areas and other priority
coastal zones, including the development of a rapid-response capability during periods of unusually
heavy influx.

Cabinet noted that the initiative has the potential to address several national priorities simultaneously
— protecting the tourism product, preserving beaches and marine resources, supporting farmers,
encouraging innovation and strengthening food security.

The Government will work with the relevant Ministries and agencies to advance the partnership and
ensure that its implementation meets the necessary environmental, regulatory and technical
requirements.

Cabinet expressed its support for approaches that turn environmental challenges into opportunities
for sustainable development and noted that the SargaCycle initiative could provide Antigua and
Barbuda with an opportunity to develop a “sea-to-soil” circular economy model, in which sargassum
collected from the marine environment becomes a productive input for agriculture.

4. Cabinet Approves EDP Financing to Support Expansion of Three Local Businesses

The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has approved financing through the Entrepreneurial
Development Programme (EDP) for three locally owned businesses, reaffirming the Government’s
commitment to supporting entrepreneurship, small-business expansion, employment creation and
greater participation of citizens in the national economy.

The proposals were presented to Cabinet following consideration by the EDP Loan Review
Committee. Cabinet approved financing totalling EC$210,000 for R. Cole’s Grocery Plus, Duberry
Estates and KCH Properties.

Cabinet approved an EC$50,000 loan to Ms. Riett Cole, trading as R. Cole’s Grocery Plus, an
established supermarket and grocery business serving the All Saints Village community.
Operating since 2013, the business is undertaking an expansion to introduce a deli offering prepared
and ready-to-eat foods, premium coffee and espresso services, as well as a wider selection of
refrigerated and frozen products.

Cabinet noted that Ms. Cole has already invested in excess of EC$77,000 of her personal
funds towards the expansion and build-out of the deli operation. The EDP financing will assist with
completing infrastructure works and improvements and acquiring a generator and two commercial
deep freezers.

Cabinet also approved EC$100,000 in EDP financing for Mrs. Catherine Williams-Joseph, trading
as Duberry Estates, to assist with completing roofing works on an apartment complex being
developed for short-term visitor accommodation.

Mrs. Williams-Joseph, a tourism professional with more than 15 years of experience in the tourism
and transportation sector, is developing five fully furnished luxury short-term rental
apartments within walking distance of the Jolly Harbour North Gate.

The proposed accommodation will target tourists, couples and small families and will be marketed
through international booking platforms. The development will complement Mrs. Williams-Joseph’s
existing tourism operation, Mary’s Taxi Tours & Rentals, allowing accommodation to be integrated
with services such as airport transfers, island tours and vehicle rentals.

Cabinet was advised that the enterprise is expected to provide employment for four persons during
its initial stage of operation.
A third EDP loan of EC$60,000 was approved for Mr. Colin Harrigan and Mrs. Karel Forde-
Harrigan, trading as KCH Properties.

The financing will assist the business with the purchase of furniture for additional apartment units,
supporting the expansion of its accommodation operations.

Cabinet noted that the three approvals demonstrate the important role of the Entrepreneurial
Development Programme in providing affordable financing to citizens seeking to establish,
strengthen and expand viable businesses.

The combined EC$210,000 investment will support enterprises operating in the retail, tourism and
accommodation sectors, while facilitating business expansion, employment and additional economic
activity.

Cabinet was particularly encouraged by the investments already being made by the entrepreneurs
from their own resources and noted that access to affordable capital remains essential to enabling
locally owned businesses to grow and compete.

The Cabinet reaffirmed that the Government will continue to utilise the Entrepreneurial
Development Programme as an instrument for economic empowerment, providing qualified
entrepreneurs with access to financing on favourable terms to turn viable business ideas and existing
enterprises into sustainable sources of income and employment.

Cabinet further encouraged Antiguans and Barbudans with sound and innovative business proposals
to explore the opportunities available through the EDP and other Government-supported
mechanisms designed to expand local ownership and entrepreneurship.

5. Cabinet Congratulates Antigua and Barbuda Falcons on Historic CPL Championship; Considers
Bid to Host 2027 Finals

The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has extended its warmest congratulations to the Antigua and
Barbuda Falcons on capturing the 2026 Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) title,
describing the historic achievement as a proud moment for the team and the nation.

The Falcons secured their first CPL championship on Sunday, defeating the Jamaica Kingsmen by
eight wickets in the final at Kensington Oval in Barbados. Chasing 171 for victory, the Falcons
reached their target with 20 balls remaining, completing an outstanding campaign and securing the
championship in only their third season in the competition.

Cabinet commended the players, coaching staff, management and everyone associated with the
franchise for the discipline, determination and team spirit demonstrated throughout the tournament.
Special recognition was given to the Antiguan and Barbudan players and members of the coaching
and support structure whose participation has further strengthened the country’s proud cricketing
tradition. Cabinet noted that legendary West Indies fast bowler Sir Curtly Ambrose, a member of the
Falcons’ coaching staff, credited the team’s success to its unity, hard work and belief in its ability to
win the championship.

Cabinet also acknowledged the tremendous support provided by the people of Antigua and Barbuda
throughout the tournament, particularly during the Falcons’ home matches at the Sir Vivian
Richards Stadium.

The Government reaffirmed its continued support for the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons, noting
that the franchise has become an important vehicle for promoting Antigua and Barbuda
internationally, creating opportunities for local and regional cricketers, strengthening sports tourism
and inspiring young people.

Against the backdrop of the Falcons’ historic championship victory, Cabinet also discussed the
possibility of Antigua and Barbuda submitting a bid to host the CPL Finals in 2027.

Cabinet indicated that the proposal is being seriously contemplated and will be examined in greater
detail, including the requirements for staging the final phase of one of the Caribbean’s premier
sporting events.

The Government noted that Antigua and Barbuda has demonstrated its capacity to host CPL cricket
successfully. The Sir Vivian Richards Stadium hosted four Falcons home matches during the 2026
tournament, continuing the country’s involvement in the competition.

Cabinet considers the potential hosting of the 2027 finals an opportunity not only to showcase
Antigua and Barbuda’s cricketing heritage, but also to generate economic activity through increased
visitor arrivals, accommodation, transportation, entertainment and other tourism-related services.
The economic value of hosting CPL cricket has previously been demonstrated locally. An
independent assessment of the tournament’s return to Antigua and Barbuda in 2024 estimated a
total economic impact of approximately US$14 million, including spending associated with the event
and international media exposure for the destination.

Cabinet emphasised that no final decision has yet been taken on a bid for the 2027 Finals, but
confirmed that the Government is seriously considering pursuing the opportunity.
The Cabinet again congratulated the Antigua and Barbuda Falcons on becoming 2026 Republic
Bank CPL Champions, noting that their achievement has brought immense pride to Antigua and
Barbuda and added another memorable chapter to the country’s distinguished cricketing history.