**REPORT FROM THE CABINET OF ANTIGUA AND BARBUDAMEETING OF WEDNESDAY 4 th JUNE 2025**

**Wednesday’s Cabinet Meeting, chaired by Prime Minister the Hon. Gaston Browne, began with a solemn invocation and scripture reading delivered by the Cabinet Secretary. The prayer called for divine wisdom and guidance for Cabinet members as they undertake their responsibilities in governance and public service.**

1. **The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda welcomes the ruling issued today by the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, which fully quashed all subpoenas initiated by Yulia Guryeva-Motlokhov—daughter of a sanctioned Russian national and former owner of the super-yacht _Alfa Nero_. The subpoenas, directed at Prime Minister the Hon. Gaston Browne, members of his family, senior government officials, and various private entities, have been decisively set aside by the Court.**

In a comprehensive Memorandum Opinion and Order, Judge Jesse M. Furman found that the applicant had “failed to meet the statutory requirements for relief” under 28 U.S.C. § 1782. Consequently, the Court has:

• Quashed the subpoenas in their entirety;
• Vacated its prior ex parte order authorizing the subpoenas; and
• Instructed the applicant’s legal counsel to arrange for the immediate destruction of any material already obtained.

Prime Minister Browne and the Cabinet have consistently asserted that this legal action—pursued with the support of senior opposition figures—was nothing more than a politically motivated fishing expedition, aimed at undermining the integrity of the Prime Minister, his family, and senior public servants.

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda reaffirms its unwavering commitment to transparency, the rule of law, and the highest standards of public accountability. At the same time, it will continue to vigorously resist any attempt, whether domestic or foreign, to defame its officials or to pressure the nation into reversing decisions made in the sovereign interest of its people.

2. **As part of its ongoing land and homeownership empowerment initiative, the Cabinet has approved the acquisition of land and the construction of 100 new homes in the Belmont community.** Recognizing the pressing demand for housing—as evidenced by the thousands of applications submitted to the Central Housing and Planning Authority and the National Housing Development and Urban Renewal Company Limited—the Cabinet designated the Belmont development as a high-priority project. Ministers responsible for Housing, Works, and Urban Development have been instructed to collaborate closely with the parliamentary representative for the area to expedite the implementation of the project.

3. **The Cabinet has authorized the Attorney General and the Ministry of Legal Affairs to draft legislation for presentation at the next sitting of Parliament, aimed at expunging the criminal records of individuals convicted for possession of small quantities of cannabis (less than 15 grams) and granting them official pardons.** The proposed legislation will also apply to individuals convicted under the Public Health Amendment Act during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a view to clearing their records as well.

Additionally, the Cabinet has agreed that the Honourable Prime Minister will advise the Governor General to exercise his constitutional authority under Section 84(1) of the Constitution of Antigua and Barbuda to pardon individuals currently serving sentences at His Majesty’s Prison, who are actively engaged in the HAPPI Programme and have demonstrated genuine rehabilitation.

Cabinet emphasized that the criminal records of these individuals will be expunged, allowing them a fresh start and an opportunity to continue contributing positively to society. This action aligns with the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party government’s commitment to rehabilitation and reintegration. Upon receiving their pardons, these individuals will be immediately offered full-time employment within the HAPPI Programme. Cabinet also approved the granting of Half a Million Dollars ($500, 000) to the HAPPI Programme for the continued building and reconstruction of homes for the less fortunate.

4. **The Cabinet extended commendations to the Minister for Utilities of the Antigua Public Utilities Authority’s (APUA) milestone achievement in reaching a daily water production capacity of 8 million gallons, with projections to attain 9 million gallons within the coming week.** This marks an unprecedented accomplishment in the history of Antigua and Barbuda, surpassing the performance of all previous administrations.

To further support APUA’s efforts in meeting national water demand, the Cabinet approved the procurement of equipment to expand the existing dams at Dunnings and Big Creek. Additionally, new ponds and dams will be constructed in farming communities throughout the country to support agricultural needs.

This initiative forms part of a broader, strategic plan to strengthen Antigua and Barbuda’s water infrastructure—ensuring a consistent and resilient water supply for both residential and agricultural sectors.

5. Acknowledging that cargo transportation within the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) remains a vital yet underdeveloped pillar of regional integration and economic advancement, the **Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has made a strategic policy decision to acquire a cargo aircraft**. This initiative is intended to enhance the transshipment of goods between South America and OECS member states, positioning Antigua and Barbuda as a key logistics hub in the region.

While regional efforts have been made to improve cargo transport within the region, the Cabinet recognizes that substantial investment and greater coordination are necessary to build a resilient and efficient system capable of withstanding global supply chain disruptions and climate-related challenges. The introduction of a dedicated cargo plane in Antigua and Barbuda is expected to significantly strengthen trade links, improve the movement of essential goods, and contribute meaningfully to food security across the OECS and beyond.

**_Editors Note:_**_The subregion relies heavily on maritime shipping for the movement of goods, given the geographic composition of small island states and limited air freight infrastructure. This service is plagued by high shipping costs, inconsistent service schedules, and aging port infrastructure in some countries (Antigua and Barbuda has the most modern port infrastructure in the OECS). Many OECS member states depend on irregular inter-island cargo services, which can delay the delivery of essential goods, raise the cost of imports and exports, and hinder trade among member countries. These inefficiencies directly affect food security, construction, manufacturing, and small business operations that rely on reliable cargo flows._

6. Cabinet welcomed the Minister of State in the Ministry of Health, Wellness, Environment and Civil Service Affairs, Senator Michael Joseph and Chief Environment Officer Ambassador Diann Black-Layne to Cabinet to update the body on the status of the various funds managed by the department.

The Cabinet was updated on the following projects:

• The Wind Turbine Project will recommence in July in Parham and at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium by Vergnet, a French companyspecializing in renewable energy solutions, with a particular focus on wind, solar, and hybrid systems tailored for challenging environments. The company will install 15 wind turbines with each producing 275 KW per hour. (**_Editors Note:_**_Vergnet is renowned for its medium-scale wind turbines, notably the GEV MP model, designed to withstand cyclonic conditions by being tiltable—a feature especially valuable in hurricane-prone countries like Antigua and Barbuda.)_
• Hurricane Shutters Project will provide over 1000 sheets of hurricane shutters (Each sheet has a capacity of producing 3-4 shutters) for the most vulnerable persons in society. The sheets are available for sale at a 75% discount ($62.50) per sheet.
• Polyurea Coating Project for the repair of roofs at Clinics and other government facilities. It is widely regarded as an excellent roofing solution in both commercial and industrial settings due to its durability, flexibility, and fast curing time. The Department of the Environment and the Ministry of Works will collaborate in training of technicians in the use of the product.
• Construction of Climate Resilient Chattel Homes Project will see the construction of fifty (50) homes of 800 sq. feet dimensions through the collaboration of the Ministry of Housing and Works and the Department of the Environment. The first model home in this project will be constructed in the Rastafarian Community.
• The Geocell Project, which is a type of three-dimensional honeycomb-like structure made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyester, or other polymer materials. Plans are being formalized by the Ministry of Works and the Department of the Environment for the testing of this product in the construction of roads in Antigua and Barbuda. Geocells are expanded on-site to form a flexible, interlocking grid, then filled with concrete. Once filled, the system distributes loads laterally and vertically, significantly increasing the bearing capacity and stability of the material inside. This is anticipate to improve the durability of concrete roads.
• The Assembly of a pre-fab Government Warehouse (60, 000 sq. ft.) at Crabbs Antigua and Barbuda Defense Force facility currently being constructed in China. The facility will be capable of withstanding a category 5 hurricane. ** _These projects are funded under the Sustainable Island Resource Framework (SIRF) Fund and the Green Climate Fund._**

7. The Cabinet welcomed members of the Management Team responsible for coordinating Antigua and Barbuda’s hosting of the **55th General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS)**, scheduled for **June 25–27, 2024**. Led by **Ambassador Anthony Liverpool**, the team reported that preparations are well underway and the country will be ready to successfully host this historic international event.

A central item on the agenda is Antigua and Barbuda’s initiative to include the topic**“Uniting the Americas for Mental Health: From Commitment to Action”** as a key point of discussion. The anticipated resolution from this dialogue is expected to be advanced to the**United Nations General Assembly** in New York this September, positioning **Antigua and Barbuda as a global advocate for mental health awareness and reform**. The General Assembly will officially open with a ceremony at the **AUA Convention Centre** on **June 25**, featuring remarks by **Prime Minister the Hon. Gaston Browne** and **OAS Secretary General H.E. Albert Ramdin**.