REPORT FROM THE CABINET OF ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA
MEETING OF WEDNESDAY 24th JUNE 2026

The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda was blessed with a spiritual meditation delivered by a pastor of the Church of God of Prophecy, who reflected on the theme “Great is God and Greatly to be Praised.”

Drawing from Psalm 145:3, “Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; and His greatness is unsearchable,” the pastor reminded Cabinet members that regardless of the challenges confronting nations and governments, God’s wisdom and power remain supreme. He noted that the greatness of God is revealed through His creation, His provision, His mercy, and His enduring faithfulness to humanity.

The pastor encouraged Cabinet members to recognize that all authority ultimately comes from God and that nations prosper when their leaders seek divine guidance and govern with humility. He emphasized that wisdom is not derived solely from knowledge, experience, or expertise, but also from reverence for Almighty God. Referencing the biblical teaching that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,” he urged Cabinet members to ensure that their decisions are guided by integrity, justice, compassion, and a commitment to the common good.

The meditation further highlighted that God’s greatness should not only be acknowledged in words but also reflected in actions. The pastor encouraged the members of Cabinet to remain faithful stewards of the responsibilities entrusted to them and to serve as instruments through which peace, prosperity, and national development can flourish.

He offered prayers for God’s continued favour and blessings upon Antigua and Barbuda and asked that the members of Cabinet be granted wisdom, courage, unity of purpose, and strength as they carry out their duties on behalf of the people of the nation. The meditation concluded with the reminder that while governments and circumstances may change, God remains constant, great in power, and always worthy of praise.

(1)
Prime Minister the Honourable Gaston Browne updated Cabinet on the outcomes of the recently concluded Meeting of the OECS Authority, which Antigua and Barbuda hosted and chaired. The Prime Minister reported that Heads of Government engaged in substantive discussions on a range of issues affecting the sub-region, including trade, regional transportation, Citizenship by Investment Programmes, and institutional reform within the OECS.

Cabinet was informed that OECS leaders agreed to pursue measures aimed at reducing the cost of living across the sub-region, including exploring increased trade with South America, Panama and the Dominican Republic. To facilitate access to lower-cost goods and food products, the OECS Commission has been tasked with identifying products that could benefit from a temporary suspension of the CARICOM Common External Tariff (CET), thereby allowing member states to import selected goods at more competitive prices.

The Prime Minister also briefed Cabinet on discussions concerning Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programmes. Heads of Government expressed concern regarding proposals by the European Union that could impact visa-free access for OECS citizens. The Authority agreed to intensify engagement with European officials to safeguard the interests of OECS member states while maintaining the integrity and sustainability of their respective CBI programmes, which remain important contributors to economic development across the region.

On regional transportation, the Prime Minister reported that leaders continued discussions on proposals to improve air connectivity within the OECS. The initiative seeks to lower travel costs, improve mobility among member states, and strengthen economic and social integration throughout the sub-region. Cabinet noted that reliable and affordable regional transportation remains a critical component of deeper OECS cooperation and economic growth.

The Prime Minister further advised Cabinet that discussions were held on the right-sizing and modernization of OECS institutions to ensure that the organization remains efficient, responsive and financially sustainable. Leaders agreed that the OECS must continue to evolve to meet emerging challenges while delivering greater value and practical benefits to the citizens of member states.

Cabinet welcomed the successful outcomes of the meeting and commended the Prime Minister on his leadership as Chairman of the OECS Authority during a period of significant regional and global challenges.

(2)
The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has approved an increase in the Passenger Head Tax on international travellers coming into and departing Antigua and Barbuda. The tax will increase from US$40 to US$50 per passenger, as part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to ensure the sustainable financing of critical regional institutions that provide essential services to Antigua and Barbuda and the wider Eastern Caribbean.

Cabinet was advised that the additional revenue generated from the adjustment will be earmarked to assist in meeting the country’s financial obligations to important regional agencies, including the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority (ECCAA) and the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC). These institutions play indispensable roles in maintaining aviation safety and oversight across the region and ensuring the effective administration of justice through the Eastern Caribbean judicial system.

In approving the measure, Cabinet noted that Antigua and Barbuda continues to benefit significantly from the services provided by these institutions and must therefore contribute its fair share towards their operation and sustainability. The Government emphasized that maintaining strong and adequately funded regional institutions is essential to safeguarding the interests of citizens, supporting economic growth, and preserving regional integration.

Cabinet further determined that travel within the CARICOM region will remain exempt from the increase in keeping with the Government’s commitment to promoting regional movement, strengthening economic and social ties among CARICOM member states, and advancing the goals of Caribbean integration.

The Government expects that the revised Passenger Head Tax will provide a reliable source of funding to meet outstanding and future commitments while minimizing the impact on residents and visitors. Cabinet reaffirmed its commitment to prudent fiscal management and to ensuring that Antigua and Barbuda continues to honour its regional obligations while maintaining the high standards of service and institutional support upon which the nation depends. The increase will take effect following the completion of the necessary legislative and administrative processes, details of which will be announced in due course.

(3)
The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has approved the engagement of Smith Warner International Limited (SWI) to undertake a comprehensive Baseline Coastal Assessment and Preliminary Engineering Design for Fort James Beach, marking another significant step in the Government’s vision to transform the area into the Fort James Renaissance Park.

The approval follows the Government’s recent announcement of a EC$5 million investment towards the redevelopment of Fort James, a project aimed at restoring one of Antigua and Barbuda’s most historic and iconic coastal areas while creating a world-class recreational, tourism and cultural destination for residents and visitors alike.

Cabinet was advised that Fort James Beach has experienced varying degrees of coastal erosion over several years, making it essential that any redevelopment be guided by sound scientific analysis and engineering expertise. The assessment will provide the Government with critical information regarding shoreline stability, erosion patterns, sediment movement, wave and current conditions, climate resilience, and the long-term sustainability of proposed interventions.

Under the approved proposal, Smith Warner International will serve as the lead coastal engineering consultant and will be responsible for the technical direction, coastal process assessment, numerical modelling, options analysis, preliminary engineering design, and preparation of recommendations for beach restoration and stabilization. The consultancy team will work closely with regional and international experts as well as local stakeholders to ensure that the proposed solutions are environmentally responsible, technically sound, and appropriate for Antigua and Barbuda’s unique coastal conditions.

The study will seek to identify the primary causes of erosion at Fort James Beach, determine the most suitable restoration and stabilization measures, evaluate the availability of suitable sand resources, assess drainage and water-quality impacts, and recommend engineering solutions that preserve public access, recreational use, swimming safety, and environmental integrity.

Cabinet noted that the consultancy will be conducted in phases, beginning with the collection and analysis of coastal data and historical shoreline information. Subsequent stages will involve the development and testing of engineering options, followed by the preparation of preliminary designs and implementation recommendations. This phased approach will ensure that future investments in Fort James are informed by evidence-based decision-making and are capable of withstanding the impacts of storms, sea-level rise, and climate change.

The Government further emphasized that the Fort James Renaissance Park Project is intended to be far more than a beach enhancement initiative. The broader redevelopment vision includes the revitalization of the area as a premier public space that celebrates Antigua and Barbuda’s heritage while supporting tourism, recreation, entrepreneurship, and community engagement. The coastal assessment is therefore a critical foundation upon which future development plans will be built.

Cabinet expressed confidence that the work undertaken by Smith Warner International will provide the technical roadmap necessary to protect and restore Fort James Beach while ensuring that future investments deliver long-term economic, environmental, and social benefits. The Government remains committed to preserving Antigua and Barbuda’s coastal assets and advancing projects that contribute to national development, environmental sustainability, and the ongoing renaissance of communities across the country.

The approval of this consultancy represents the first major technical milestone in the realization of the Fort James Renaissance Park and underscores the Government’s determination to transform the historic area into a resilient, attractive and internationally competitive destination for generations to come.

(4)
The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has approved a landmark public-private investment initiative that will facilitate the development of a new hotel on approximately 15 acres of beachfront land at Yeptons, advancing the Government’s policy of expanding local participation and ownership within the tourism sector.

Under the arrangement approved by Cabinet, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, together with selected state-owned enterprises and statutory corporations, will invest up to EC$40 million towards the development of the project. The initiative will be undertaken in partnership with local private-sector investors, creating a new model of collaboration designed to ensure that Antiguans and Barbudans derive greater direct benefits from the country’s tourism industry.

Cabinet was advised that one local investor has already committed EC$20 million towards the project, demonstrating strong confidence in the investment opportunity and the long-term prospects of the tourism sector. Additional financing will be mobilized through the Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP), which continues to serve as an important source of development financing for strategic national projects.

In approving the initiative, Cabinet emphasized that increasing local ownership and participation in the tourism industry remains a key policy objective of the Government. While tourism remains the principal driver of economic growth, the Government is committed to ensuring that a greater share of the wealth generated by the sector remains within the domestic economy and contributes directly to the prosperity of Antiguan and Barbudan citizens.

Cabinet further noted that the Yeptons project forms part of a broader strategy to create investment opportunities for local entrepreneurs, professionals, pension funds, statutory corporations and other domestic stakeholders. The project is expected to generate significant employment during both the construction and operational phases while creating new opportunities for local suppliers, contractors and service providers.

The Cabinet also recalled its previous decisions to make available approximately 6.5 acres of beachfront land at Shell Beach and 5 acres at Fort James for similar public-private partnership arrangements. These initiatives are intended to encourage greater local investment in tourism-related developments and to create avenues through which citizens can acquire equity ownership in high-value tourism assets.

Cabinet believes that these investments represent a transformative approach to economic development, combining public resources, private capital and Citizenship by Investment Programme funding to build nationally owned assets that will generate long-term economic returns. The Government remains committed to fostering inclusive growth by creating opportunities for broader participation in sectors that have traditionally been dominated by foreign investment.

The Yeptons development is expected to become a flagship example of local ownership and partnership within Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism industry and a significant contributor to employment, foreign exchange earnings and sustainable national development.

(5)
The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has endorsed the recommendations and negotiating position outlined by Prime Minister the Honourable Gaston Browne regarding ongoing discussions with the Government of the United States of America concerning the possible relocation and resettlement of a limited number of third-country nationals.

The Prime Minister informed Cabinet that negotiations with United States officials have resumed following the submission of Antigua and Barbuda’s counterproposals and that constructive dialogue continues between the two countries. Cabinet was advised that Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the United States, Sir Ronald Sanders, is leading the negotiations on behalf of the Government and is actively engaged in advancing the country’s interests while ensuring that any agreement reflects Antigua and Barbuda’s laws, values and national priorities.

Cabinet was further advised that Antigua and Barbuda has made it clear that it will not accept any individuals with criminal backgrounds and that comprehensive due diligence must be conducted in every case. The Government has insisted that detailed reports be submitted on each individual, including information relating to criminal history, security assessments and health status, before any consideration is given to admission into Antigua and Barbuda.

The Prime Minister emphasized that the Government of Antigua and Barbuda must retain the sovereign right to determine who may enter and reside within the country.

Cabinet was informed that Antigua and Barbuda has indicated a willingness to consider accepting a limited number of persons annually, estimated at between fourteen and sixteen individuals, subject to the strict screening and approval processes established by the Government. Consideration would also be given to skilled individuals whose qualifications and expertise could contribute positively to national development and economic growth.

In supporting the Prime Minister’s position, Cabinet noted the longstanding and mutually beneficial relationship between Antigua and Barbuda and the United States of America. The United States remains one of Antigua and Barbuda’s most important strategic partners, with cooperation spanning trade, investment, tourism, security, education and development assistance.

Cabinet agreed that Antigua and Barbuda should continue to engage constructively with the United States administration on matters of mutual interest, including migration and border management issues, while ensuring that the country’s national security, public health and social interests remain fully protected.

The Government remains committed to maintaining strong diplomatic relations with the United States and will continue to pursue discussions in a manner that reflects Antigua and Barbuda’s sovereignty, humanitarian values and responsibility to safeguard the welfare and security of its citizens and residents.

(6)
The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has approved a proposal for the expansion of the Potters Sports Field Redevelopment Project to include the construction of a full Olympic-sized swimming pool and supporting facilities, further advancing the Government’s commitment to youth development, community empowerment, healthy lifestyles, and sporting excellence.

Cabinet was informed that the Potters Sports Field is currently being transformed into a modern multi-sport complex that will provide facilities for basketball, netball, volleyball, pickleball, baseball, football, and cricket, in addition to a children’s play area. Plans already in place include the construction of a half-Olympic-sized swimming pool and an instructional pool. However, Cabinet agreed that the project presents a unique opportunity to establish a world-class aquatic facility capable of hosting regional and international competitions.

The approved expansion will facilitate the development of a full Olympic-sized swimming pool measuring 50 metres by 25 metres, a warm-down pool, a 750-seat grandstand with changing facilities, and supporting infrastructure designed to meet international competition standards. The facility is expected to position Antigua and Barbuda as a viable venue for major regional sporting events, including CARIFTA swimming competitions and other international aquatic meets.

Cabinet further approved the allocation of adjacent Crown lands to become part of the Potters Sports Field complex. The additional lands will accommodate the expanded aquatic facilities as well as parking areas, pedestrian walkways, concession spaces, and other amenities necessary for the successful operation of the venue.

The Cabinet also authorized the Ministry of Works and the Ministry of Social Transformation to work closely with the Potters Sports Field Redevelopment Management Team to identify the resources required for the project and to jointly mobilize additional financing and technical support necessary to bring the expanded vision to fruition.

In endorsing the proposal, Cabinet recognized the transformative impact the project will have on the Potters community and the nation as a whole. The development will create new opportunities for athletic training, competition, and sports tourism while fostering youth engagement and community participation. It will also strengthen educational partnerships with nearby institutions, including Potters Primary School, the Sir Novelle Richards Academy, and the Harrison Centre School of Continuing Education.

Additionally, the project is expected to support skills development and workforce training through programmes in pool maintenance, landscaping, sports facility management, and other technical disciplines, thereby creating pathways to employment and entrepreneurship.

Cabinet views the expansion of the Potters Sports Field as another significant investment in Antigua and Barbuda’s sporting infrastructure and as part of the Government’s broader vision to create modern, inclusive, and sustainable community facilities that contribute to national development and prosperity.

Cabinet also approved the allocation of EC$5 million for the construction of an additional academic block at the Sir Novelle Richards Academy, recognizing the growing demand for educational space and the importance of creating an environment that supports teaching and learning excellence. The new facility will provide additional classrooms and specialized learning spaces to accommodate the school’s expanding student population and enhance the delivery of quality education. Cabinet noted that the investment complements the ongoing transformation of the Potters community, ensuring that educational infrastructure develops in tandem with sporting and community facilities. The construction of the new block forms part of the Government’s broader commitment to strengthening the nation’s education sector and equipping young people with the tools necessary to succeed in a modern and competitive world. The new block is expected to be completed in time for the start of the new school term in September.

(7)
The Minister for Agriculture, Lands, Fisheries and the Blue Economy, Anthony Smith Jr., informed Cabinet that the Government of Antigua and Barbuda has successfully secured a grant of approximately US$9 million under the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Soil and Water Management Programme. The grant will support the Government’s ongoing programme to construct dams, water catchment ponds and other critical soil and water conservation infrastructure across Antigua and Barbuda.

Cabinet was advised that the project forms a central component of the Government’s broader strategy to increase domestic food production, improve water security within the agricultural sector and reduce reliance on costly desalinated water for farming activities. The initiative is expected to significantly enhance irrigation capacity and provide farmers with more reliable access to water, particularly during periods of drought and prolonged dry weather.

In support of this programme, the Ministry in August last year acquired a dedicated excavator to accelerate the construction of dams and water catchment systems. The equipment allows the Ministry of Agriculture to expand its capacity to undertake water infrastructure projects and expedite the development of strategically located storage facilities throughout the country.

Cabinet recalled that several months ago it identified water management and conservation as a national priority and directed that the development of dams and water catchment systems become a key pillar of Antigua and Barbuda’s food security strategy. The Government recognizes that access to affordable and reliable water remains one of the most significant challenges facing the agricultural sector and continues to pursue innovative solutions to address this constraint.

The Minister further reported that significant progress has been made in the planning phase of the programme, with locations now identified for the construction of eight dams and two large-scale “super dams” across Antigua. These strategically selected sites will form the backbone of a comprehensive national water storage network designed to capture and retain rainwater for agricultural use. The construction of the dams and super dams is expected to substantially increase water availability for farming, improve drought preparedness, reduce pressure on potable water supplies and support year-round agricultural production.

Cabinet welcomed the award of the US$9 million grant and commended the Ministry of Agriculture for its efforts in securing international support for this transformative initiative.