Rev. Christopher Roberts of the Anglican Church led the meditation at Wednesday’s meeting of the
Cabinet, grounding his reflection in Matthew 21:23–27, which recounts the questioning of Jesus’
authority by the chief priests and elders.

Pastor Roberts drew attention to the response of those who challenged Jesus. When confronted with
a question concerning the baptism of John—whether it came from heaven or from human
origin—they reasoned among themselves, weighing the consequences of either answer. Rather than
declare what they knew or believed to be true, they eventually responded, “We do not know.”
The Pastor described this response as a form of “expedient ignorance”—choosing not to
acknowledge the truth because doing so may be inconvenient, uncomfortable or carry consequences.
He reminded Cabinet that those entrusted with leadership will regularly face difficult questions and
circumstances in which the easiest or most politically convenient response may not necessarily be the
right one. Leadership, he said, requires the courage to stand always on the truth, even when doing so
is difficult.

Pastor Roberts encouraged members of Cabinet not to allow expediency to become a substitute for
principle. Decisions affecting the lives and welfare of the people must be approached with honesty,
integrity and a sincere desire to do what is right.
He reminded Ministers that they have been chosen for the task of helping the people of Antigua and
Barbuda. Their positions therefore represent not merely authority, but responsibility and service.
Each decision taken should contribute to improving the lives of the people and strengthening the
nation.

Using the imagery of construction, Pastor Roberts urged Cabinet to “build block by
block.” National development, he reflected, is achieved through steady and deliberate work—one
decision, one programme and one act of service at a time. Every block must be properly placed if
the structure being built is to remain strong.

He therefore encouraged Ministers, as they undertake the work entrusted to them, to continually ask
God for guidance. Human knowledge and experience are important, he said, but those carrying the
weight of national leadership should also seek divine direction so that their decisions are informed
by wisdom, discernment and truth.

In his closing prayer, Pastor Roberts asked God to enlighten the Cabinet, granting Prime Minister
the Honourable Gaston Browne and his Ministers the wisdom necessary to discharge their
responsibilities faithfully. He prayed that God would guide their deliberations, sharpen their
understanding and give them the courage to make decisions that serve the best interests of the
people.

He prayed that, with God’s guidance, Cabinet would continue to build Antigua and Barbuda block
by block, standing firmly upon truth and remaining conscious that they have been called to the
important task of serving and uplifting the people of the nation.

1. Cabinet Reaffirms Commitment to Increased Margins for Service Station Dealers; Calls for Continued Dialogue

The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda on Wednesday discussed the concerns raised by service station
dealers regarding their request for an increase in the profit margin received on the sale of petroleum
products.

Cabinet noted that several service station dealers closed their businesses on Wednesday under the
guise of attending a meeting. The Cabinet considers the action unfortunate, particularly given the
essential nature of the service provided to the public and the Government’s ongoing engagement
with the dealers on their concerns.

The Cabinet reaffirmed that the Government accepts that service station dealers are deserving of an
increase in their profit margin and remains committed to granting an adjustment. However, Cabinet
determined that the present period of instability and rising prices on the international petroleum
market does not provide the most appropriate environment in which to implement the increase.
The Government anticipates that there could be some easing of petroleum prices towards the end of
the year and believes that this would provide a more appropriate opportunity to implement an
adjustment without placing an undue additional burden on consumers.

Cabinet has therefore instructed the Financial Secretary to expedite a meeting with representatives
of the service station dealers to continue discussions on the matter and to establish a clear path
towards implementation of the proposed increase before the end of the year.
The Cabinet emphasised that the Government’s position should not be interpreted as a rejection of
the dealers’ request.

“The Government has already accepted the principle that the service station dealers deserve an
increase in their margin. The issue is one of timing. At a time when international fuel prices are
unstable and rising, the Government must carefully balance the legitimate interests of the dealers
with its responsibility to protect consumers from additional increases at the pump,” Cabinet stated.

Cabinet expressed the expectation that the service station dealers will continue to engage the
Government constructively as both sides work towards a mutually acceptable outcome.
During its deliberations, Cabinet also expressed concern about the level of concentration within the
service station market and the potential consequences for consumers when a significant number of
stations cease operations simultaneously.

In response, Cabinet advised the West Indies Oil Company Limited (WIOC) to pursue the
establishment of three additional service stations at strategic locations across the country. The
proposed expansion is intended to increase access to fuel, strengthen the resilience of the national
fuel-distribution network and ensure that consumers have adequate alternatives throughout Antigua
and Barbuda.

Cabinet reiterated that reliable access to fuel is essential to the functioning of the economy and the
daily lives of citizens and residents. Any expansion of the service station network should therefore
be guided by the need for adequate geographic coverage, competition and continuity of supply.
The Government remains committed to constructive engagement with the service station dealers
and to honouring its commitment to an adjustment in their profit margins at an appropriate
time before the end of 2026.

Cabinet is confident that through continued dialogue, the interests of dealers and consumers can be
appropriately balanced while ensuring stability in the country’s fuel market.

2. Agriculture Minister Updates Cabinet on Major Dam and Pond Development Programme to
Strengthen Food Security

The Minister responsible for Agriculture provided Cabinet on Wednesday with an update on the
Ministry’s continuing programme to construct and rehabilitate dams and ponds across Antigua, as
the Government intensifies efforts to provide farmers with greater access to water and increase
domestic food production.

The Minister reported that work is advancing on the construction of dams intended to serve active
farming communities, with particular emphasis being placed on ensuring that water infrastructure is
developed in areas where it can directly support agricultural production.

Cabinet was informed that work has commenced on a major dam in the Bethesda area, on lands
being utilised by farmers. The Minister indicated that the new dam is expected to have a storage
capacity of approximately one million gallons of water, providing an important source of water for
agricultural activity in the area. 

The Minister explained that the Bethesda project forms part of a wider effort to expand the number
and capacity of agricultural water-storage facilities available to farmers.
Cabinet was advised that the Ministry is moving aggressively to make additional resources available
for the construction and development of dams to support active farmers, while at the same time
strengthening the Ministry’s own agricultural production programme. 

The Minister expressed confidence that, with sustained investment in water infrastructure, land
preparation and other forms of support to farmers, Antigua and Barbuda can significantly increase
the quantity of food produced locally.

Cabinet reiterated that reliable access to water remains one of the most important requirements for
expanding agricultural production, particularly given the country’s vulnerability to prolonged dry
periods. The programme of dams and ponds is therefore being pursued as a critical component of
the Government’s wider food-security strategy.

The Minister also reported that additional equipment and trained operators will be required as the
programme expands. Cabinet was informed that there is presently a limited number of experienced
persons available to operate some of the heavy machinery required for agricultural works, and that
additional persons will have to be trained. 

Cabinet encouraged the Ministry to pursue the necessary training so that the Government’s
investment in agricultural machinery can be fully utilised and works can be undertaken
simultaneously in different farming districts.

The Cabinet reaffirmed its instruction to the Ministry of Agriculture to accelerate the construction
and rehabilitation of dams and ponds throughout the farming communities, ensuring that the
available resources are directed towards productive farmers and areas with the greatest potential to
increase domestic food production.

The Government will therefore continue to invest in the infrastructure necessary to empower
farmers, expand agricultural production and advance the country’s goal of greater food and nutrition
security.

3. Cabinet Approves Increase in People’s Benefit Programme from EC$215 to EC$300 Monthly

The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has approved an increase in the monthly benefit paid under
the People’s Benefit Programme (PBP) operated by PDV Caribe Antigua and Barbuda Ltd.
(PDVCAB), bringing the monthly assistance from EC$215 to EC$300 per beneficiary.
The increase of EC$85 per month, representing almost a 40 percent adjustment, is intended to
provide greater assistance to vulnerable beneficiaries who have received the same monthly benefit
for approximately 20 years, despite substantial increases in the cost of living.

There are currently 1,495 registered beneficiaries under the People’s Benefit Programme. The
increase will result in an additional expenditure of approximately EC$127,075 per month, or
EC$1.525 million annually, increasing total annual PBP expenditure from approximately EC$3.857
million to EC$5.382 million.

The Cabinet welcomed the increase as an important social-protection measure and noted that it
reflects the Government’s continuing commitment to ensuring that vulnerable citizens are not left
behind as the cost of essential goods and services rises.

Cabinet further approved a Vagrant Care Initiative aimed at improving the health, hygiene and
dignity of vulnerable and homeless persons in and around St. John’s.

A donor has already committed to providing a portable shower unit. PDVCAB will collaborate with
the Soup Kitchen and the Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross to facilitate access to showers and
clothing, while providing logistical assistance and hygiene supplies.

The estimated cost to PDVCAB is approximately EC$2,500 to EC$3,500 per month, or EC$30,000
to EC$42,000 annually.

Cabinet also approved the transfer of an identified parcel of Crown Land, located east of the St.
John’s Fire Station on Factory Road, to PDVCAB for the development of a modern, purpose-built
headquarters.

PDVCAB has operated from rented premises for the past 21 years. The Company also incurs
additional rental costs for space used at the Multipurpose Centre for the distribution of utility
booklets.

The proposed headquarters will provide improved facilities for public service delivery, training,
disaster-response collaboration and income-generating activities. It will also include provision for a
permanent home of refuge for vulnerable persons.

The transfer of the Crown Land is expected to strengthen PDVCAB’s institutional position by
providing the Company with a tangible fixed asset estimated at up to EC$5 million, while eliminating
its current accommodation expenditure.

The Cabinet welcomed the proposals, particularly the increase in the People’s Benefit Programme, as
a tangible demonstration of the Government’s commitment to social protection, dignity and
improved quality of life for vulnerable citizens, while strengthening PDVCAB as an institution
capable of delivering sustainable public-benefit programmes.

4.. Cabinet Advances Plans for Handover and Occupancy of Pelican Court; Prime Minister Outlines
Housing Allocation and Management Arrangements

Prime Minister the Right Honourable Gaston Browne on Wednesday updated the Cabinet of
Antigua and Barbuda on the Government’s preparations for the formal handover and eventual
occupancy of the new Pelican Court housing development, formerly known as Booby Alley, in the
Point community.

The Prime Minister advised Cabinet that arrangements are advancing for the relocation of former
Booby Alley residents into the 150-unit condominium-style development, representing one of the
Government’s most significant urban renewal and social housing initiatives.

The development, financed through a grant from the Government of the People’s Republic of China
at a cost of approximately EC$50 million, replaces ageing and substandard wooden structures with
modern, climate-resilient housing. The project is intended to improve living conditions for more
than 300 former residents.

Cabinet was advised that preparations for the formal handover of the completed development are
progressing, with residential occupancy being targeted for January 2027.

The Prime Minister explained that the period between the handover and occupancy will allow the
Government to finalise the legal, administrative, landscaping, infrastructure and property-
management arrangements necessary for the orderly establishment of the new residential
community.

Prime Minister Browne indicated that he intends to meet with former property owners as the
Government moves towards finalising the allocation of units and the arrangements governing
ownership and tenancy.

During Wednesday’s discussions, Prime Minister Browne provided Cabinet with further guidance on
the proposed arrangements for persons who previously owned property within the former Booby
Alley community.

He emphasised that the Government must adopt a fair and transparent system that takes into
account the assessed value of former properties, previous occupancy and the circumstances of
individual property owners.

Cabinet was reminded that valuations of the former properties had already been undertaken,
providing a basis for determining compensation and replacement housing arrangements.
The Prime Minister proposed that former property owners who occupied their homes should
receive priority consideration in the allocation process, with the value of their previous property
taken into account when determining the financial arrangements for their new accommodation.

He explained that, where the assessed value of a former property is less than the value of a new
condominium unit, the difference could be financed through an appropriate mortgage arrangement.
As an example, the Prime Minister indicated that a former homeowner whose property was valued
at EC$20,000 could have that amount credited towards the purchase price of a new unit, with the
remaining balance financed through a mortgage.

The Prime Minister also raised the possibility of providing cash compensation to persons who
owned small properties in the former community but did not reside there, rather than automatically
allocating a condominium unit. Such persons could alternatively be offered an opportunity to
acquire a unit by paying the difference between the assessed value of their former property and the
purchase price of the new accommodation.

Cabinet acknowledged that some former homeowners occupied larger properties and that their
individual circumstances would require careful consideration to ensure equitable treatment.
The Prime Minister proposed that the National Housing Development and Urban Renewal
Company undertake further assessments to establish an appropriate selling price for condominium
units that may be offered for purchase.

During the discussions, indicative prices in the region of EC$150,000 to EC$175,000 per unit were
considered. However, Cabinet agreed that appropriate valuations and further financial assessments
would be necessary before a final pricing structure could be determined.

Prime Minister Browne emphasised that Pelican Court is a social housing development and that any
pricing and financing arrangements must reflect the Government’s objective of making decent
housing accessible to persons of modest means.

Cabinet also discussed the difficulties some prospective homeowners experience in obtaining
mortgage financing, particularly where commercial lending requirements, deposits and interest rates
place homeownership beyond their reach.

The Prime Minister therefore encouraged further examination of financing arrangements that could
assist eligible residents while ensuring that the Government’s investment is properly protected.
The proposed arrangements will be examined in consultation with the relevant housing, financial
and legal authorities before a final policy is adopted.

Cabinet also considered the position of persons who previously occupied rental accommodation
within the former Booby Alley community.
The Prime Minister proposed that eligible former tenants could be accommodated in Government-
owned units at Pelican Court under structured rental arrangements.
He emphasised that the Government must establish an effective system for collecting rental
payments and maintaining the development, rather than creating an arrangement that would require
indefinite additional public subsidies.

Cabinet discussed the possibility of assigning responsibility for rental administration and property
management to National Housing or an appropriately structured management entity.
The Prime Minister stressed that rental income should contribute to the maintenance and
sustainability of the development and, where feasible, assist the Government in supporting
additional housing opportunities for persons in need.

Cabinet reaffirmed the importance of establishing a professional management structure for Pelican
Court before residents take possession of their units.

The Government has previously considered the appointment of dedicated property managers, the
establishment of an administrative office within the development and arrangements for an
appropriate security presence.

Prime Minister Browne emphasised that the new community must be managed in a manner that
protects the substantial investment made in its construction.

Clear rules will therefore be established governing occupancy, property maintenance, waste disposal,
parking, the use of common areas and the responsibilities of residents.
The Government is also considering measures to prevent vehicles from entering pedestrian areas
and damaging walkways, including the strategic placement of planters.

Residents will be informed of the applicable rules and responsibilities before taking possession of
their accommodation.
For persons occupying Government-owned rental units, tenancy agreements will establish the
conditions under which accommodation is provided. Serious breaches, including involvement in
illegal activities, may result in enforcement action in accordance with applicable laws and tenancy
agreements.

Cabinet was further advised that arrangements are being examined to provide additional water-
storage capacity for the development, ensuring that the 150 households have access to an adequate
reserve supply during interruptions to the public water system.
Landscaping and beautification works are also being advanced, with the Prime Minister calling for
additional greenery to enhance the appearance of the development and create a more attractive
residential environment.

The Government is also examining possible arrangements to assist residents in acquiring essential
household furniture and other necessities, including credit facilities that could allow qualifying
households to repay the cost over time.

The discussions on Pelican Court also prompted Cabinet to examine the wider institutional
arrangements required to manage Government housing developments and advance the
redevelopment of St. John’s.

Prime Minister Browne stressed the need for stronger coordination among the agencies responsible
for housing, property management and urban renewal.
The Prime Minister also called for further examination of the role, staffing and technical capacity of
the St. John’s Development Corporation in the Government’s wider programme of urban
revitalisation.

Cabinet discussed whether the Corporation’s responsibilities should be expanded to provide a more
comprehensive approach to urban renewal or whether alternative institutional arrangements would
be more effective.

The relevant Ministers and officials will undertake further examination of these proposals before
recommendations are submitted for Cabinet’s consideration.
Cabinet welcomed the progress towards completion and occupancy of Pelican Court, recognising
the project as a major intervention in improving the quality of life of families who previously lived in
inadequate housing conditions.

Prime Minister Browne reiterated that the transformation of Booby Alley must represent more than
the construction of new buildings. It must establish a sustainable residential community in which
residents enjoy improved living conditions while accepting responsibility for the care and
maintenance of their surroundings.

The Government intends to use the experience gained from Pelican Court to guide future urban
renewal and social housing initiatives in other communities across Antigua and Barbuda.
The Prime Minister will continue consultations with the relevant Ministries, National Housing, legal
officials and former residents as the Government finalises the ownership, rental and administrative
arrangements.

The Government continues to target January 2027 for the commencement of occupancy at Pelican
Court, marking an important milestone in its commitment to providing safe, dignified and climate-
resilient housing for the people of Antigua and Barbuda.

5. Cabinet Examines Opportunities to Ensure Local Content Creators Benefit from Digital
Economy

The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda on Wednesday discussed the growing importance of the digital
content creation industry and the need to ensure that Antiguan and Barbudan content creators are
able to benefit financially from the material they produce and distribute through digital platforms.
During the discussions, Cabinet noted concerns that content creators within Antigua and Barbuda
and this part of the world have not been able to access the same economic opportunities available to
creators in some other markets.

The Honourable Melford Nicholas advised Cabinet that consideration could be given to establishing
an arrangement through which an appropriate entity could serve as an aggregator for locally
produced digital content, creating a mechanism through which revenues could be collected and
distributed to eligible content creators. 

Cabinet recognised that the digital economy has created new opportunities for persons involved in
video production, music, entertainment, education, commentary and other forms of online creative
content. It is therefore important that Antiguans and Barbudans are positioned not only to
participate in the digital marketplace but also to derive economic benefits from their creativity.
Minister Nicholas will examine the feasibility of the proposal and provide further guidance to
Cabinet on possible mechanisms that could allow local content creators to access and benefit more
fully from the international digital content market. 

Cabinet made clear that the matter remains under consideration and that no final structure has yet
been approved. The objective at this stage is to determine whether a workable mechanism can be
established that expands economic opportunities for local creators and allows them to receive
appropriate returns from the content they produce.

The initiative forms part of the Government’s wider interest in developing Antigua and
Barbuda’s creative and digital economy and creating new avenues through which citizens, particularly
young people, can transform their talent, innovation and creativity into sustainable economic
opportunities.

6. Cabinet Reports Final Preparations at Performing Arts Centre, Establishes Ministerial
Team to Drive St. John’s Redevelopment

The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda on Wednesday received an update from the Honourable
Rawdon Turner on the final preparations for the opening of the new Performing Arts Centre in St.
John’s, while also establishing a three-member ministerial team to oversee the Government’s wider
programme for the redevelopment and revitalisation of the capital.

Minister Turner reported that testing of the multimedia and technical equipment has commenced at
the completed Performing Arts Centre, as preparations enter their final phase ahead of its official
opening.

Workers are presently carrying out a comprehensive deep cleaning of the facility and completing
minor finishing works. The Government expects the official opening of the Performing Arts Centre
on 23rd October 2026.

The new facility, which has been created through the extensive refurbishment and transformation of
the former Deluxe Cinema building, will accommodate approximately 850 persons and provide
Antigua and Barbuda with a modern venue for the performing arts, cultural productions,
conferences and other major national and international events.

Cabinet congratulated Minister Turner and the team responsible for the project on the quality of the
transformation, describing the redevelopment of the former Deluxe building as an important
example of the Government’s broader approach to restoring and repurposing buildings within St.
John’s.

Meanwhile, Cabinet has established a three-member ministerial team to oversee the Government’s
comprehensive redevelopment of St. John’s. The team comprises the Honourable Melford Nicholas,
Minister responsible for Utilities; the Honourable Rawdon Turner, Minister responsible for Social
and Urban Transformation; and the Honourable Maria Browne, Minister responsible for Works.

The redevelopment programme will commence with a major focus on High Street, forming the first
stage of a wider initiative to revitalise the commercial centre of the capital.
The decision builds upon the Government’s ongoing urban renewal programme and the public
consultation process launched earlier this year. That consultation attracted significant public
participation and brought together government ministries, statutory bodies, businesses and residents
to discuss the future development of St. John’s. 

The programme envisages improvements to roads and drainage, utility infrastructure, sidewalks,
public spaces and the general appearance of buildings within the city. Earlier plans include the
Ministry of Works coordinating with APUA to replace ageing water infrastructure before major road
reconstruction, reducing the likelihood that newly completed roads would later have to be excavated
for utility works. 

Cabinet emphasised that the redevelopment of St. John’s is intended to produce lasting
improvements for residents, businesses and visitors and to restore the capital as an attractive,
functional and vibrant centre of commerce, culture and national life.
The three Ministers will coordinate the activities of the various government ministries, agencies and
utilities whose work will be required to deliver the transformation.

Cabinet also extended its congratulations to the Honourable Charles “Max” Fernandez, Minister of
Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment, on his election as Chairman of the
Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Council of Ministers and Commissioners of Tourism.
Minister Fernandez was unanimously elected during the CTO Annual General Meeting in
Georgetown, Guyana, on 6th October. His election returns Antigua and Barbuda to the
chairmanship of the regional tourism organisation for the first time in more than 15 years. 
Cabinet said Minister Fernandez’s selection by his regional colleagues represents recognition not
only of his years of leadership in Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism industry, but also of the important
role the country continues to play in the development of Caribbean tourism.

Cabinet noted that the Minister assumes the regional leadership position at an important period for
Caribbean tourism, when greater attention is being placed on regional connectivity, resilience,
investment and ensuring that the benefits of the industry extend more broadly to Caribbean people.
Cabinet congratulated Minister Fernandez and expressed confidence that he will bring the same
commitment and leadership demonstrated in the development of Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism
sector to his new regional responsibility.

The Cabinet looks forward to his continued sterling leadership and contribution to the advancement
of tourism in Antigua and Barbuda and throughout the Caribbean.

7. Government Approves Land-Clearing Programme to Expand Agricultural Production

Minister for Agriculture, the Honourable Anthony Smith, updated the Cabinet on a new initiative
designed to bring additional agricultural lands into production and strengthen Antigua and Barbuda’s
food security.

Minister Smith reported that the Ministry of Agriculture has authorised the Agricultural Extension
Division to provide land-clearing services to existing and prospective farmers across key agricultural
districts.

The initiative is intended to address one of the challenges confronting farmers—the cost and
availability of land preparation—while increasing the acreage under cultivation and encouraging
greater domestic food production.

Under the first phase, Government land-clearing services will be provided for a combined total
of 102 acres across five major agricultural districts. The acreage will be allocated as follows:
 South East – 22 acres
 South Central – 22 acres
 North East – 20 acres
 South West – 16 acres
 North West – 22 acres

Existing registered farmers as well as prospective new farmers will be eligible to benefit from the
programme. Other agricultural districts and settlements are being considered for subsequent phases.
Cabinet welcomed the initiative, noting that Government’s investment in land preparation must
result in productive agricultural activity. Consequently, farmers benefiting from the programme will
be required to enter into a formal Service Agreement with the Agricultural Extension Division.

Under the agreement, beneficiaries will be required to establish a viable crop on the cleared
land within 90 days of completion of the land-clearing service.

Minister Smith also advised Cabinet that the Ministry will use the programme to encourage
increased production of five priority crops: onion, sweet potato, cassava, sweet pepper and tomato.
While farmers will not be restricted exclusively to these crops, the Agricultural Extension Division
will actively encourage and incentivise their production as part of the Government’s strategy to
increase the local supply of key agricultural commodities.

Minister Smith said the programme is intended to ensure that Government resources committed to
agriculture translate directly into increased acreage under cultivation and measurable increases in
domestic food production.

Cabinet noted that the land-clearing initiative complements other measures being pursued by the
Ministry of Agriculture, including improving farmers’ access to water through the construction and
rehabilitation of dams and ponds, strengthening agricultural extension services and increasing the
utilisation of Government-owned agricultural machinery.

The programme also supports Antigua and Barbuda’s broader regional commitment to reduce
dependence on imported food and strengthen domestic and regional food security, building upon
the objectives of CARICOM’s food-import reduction initiative.

Cabinet endorsed the approach outlined by Minister Smith and encouraged the Ministry to closely
monitor the lands cleared under the programme to ensure that beneficiaries satisfy the conditions of
the Service Agreement and that cleared lands are placed into productive use within the stipulated
timeframe.

The Government remains committed to providing practical support to existing and emerging
farmers and to ensuring that public investment in agriculture contributes directly to increased
production, greater opportunities for farmers and enhanced national food security.