**REPORT FROM THE CABINET OF ANTIGUA AND BARBUDAMEETING OF THURSDAYDAY 26 th JUNE 2025

Wednesday’s Cabinet Meeting, chaired by Prime Minister the Hon. Gaston Browne, began with an invocation and scripture reading from a pastor who read from the Book of Romans which admonishes leaders to always do good in the interest of God’s people.

1. **The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda received a briefing from Prime Minister the Honourable Gaston Browne on the numerous commendations his government has received for the successful hosting of the 55th Regular Session of the Organization of American States (OAS) General Assembly, which concluded last Thursday at the AUA Convention Centre.

The event brought together over 2,000 delegatesfrom across the Americas and addressed a range of pressing hemispheric issues. A major highlight was the adoption of the landmark resolution, _“Uniting the Americas for Mental Health: From Commitment to Action”_ , which was championed by Antigua and Barbuda in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).

Prime Minister Browne was widely applauded for his bold and deeply personal address on mental health, in which he issued a powerful call for leaders across the region to prioritize mental health as a key component of both public health and sustainable development.

Cabinet members joined the Prime Minister incommending the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for its exceptional coordination and execution of the Assembly. The overwhelming volume of positive feedback received from international delegates was noted as further confirmation of Antigua and Barbuda’s growing reputation as a premier conference destination.

Prime Minister Browne also emphasized that hosting the OAS Assembly not only advanced the country’s diplomatic agenda but also served as a strategic tourism promotion tool, showcasing Antigua and Barbuda’s hospitality, infrastructure, and capacity to host world-class international events.

1. **The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda addressed recent public comments made by former Finance Minister Harold Lovell concerning the Government’s decision to support the Social Security Scheme’s investment in the redevelopment of the Jolly Beach Resort.

Mr. Lovell criticized the plan as “reckless,” alleging a lack of financial transparency and warning that the move posed a serious risk to the long-term stability of the Scheme. However, the Cabinet rejected these claims as unfounded and politically motivated, noting that the failed former minister’s remarks do not reflect the legal or economic realities underpinning the initiative.

Cabinet members emphasized that a formal legal opinion provided by a respected legal expert confirms that the Government holds the lawful authority to facilitate investments pursued by the Social Security Scheme. This is supported by international precedent, as many social security entities worldwide engage in diversified investment portfolios to ensure sustainability and income generation.

The Attorney General cited Section 14 of the Social Security (Amendment) Act of 2016, which states:

“ _The investment of money to the Fund not otherwise required shall be made by the Director in accordance with the directions of the Investment Committee and the Investment Policy Statement and ratified by the Cabinet.”

On June 10th, the Cabinet approved a strategic decision for the Social Security Scheme to invest in the Jolly Beach Resort, a profitable venture. Under this initiative, the Government will inject $75 million EC dollars into the Scheme to support the resort’s expansion into a 500-room facility, including a new condominium section that will be marketed under the Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP).

This investment forms part of a broader government strategy to build a sustainable investment portfolio for the Social Security Scheme, reducing its sole dependence on payroll contributions and enhancing its financial resilience.

The Cabinet reaffirmed its commitment to the initiative, citing its record in several successful government-led investment projects, including:

• The Eastern Caribbean Amalgamated Bank (ECAB)
• The restructured LIAT 2020
• The acquisition and growth of the West Indies Oil Company Limited (WIOC)

These ventures, the Cabinet noted, demonstrate the Government’s proven ability to engage in responsible investment strategies that yield long-term national benefits.

1. **The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda continued its in-depth discussions on the growing prevalence of mental health challenges within society, reaffirming its commitment to addressing the issue proactively and comprehensively.

Recognizing the urgent need for community-wide awareness and support, the Cabinet has directed the Ministry of Health to immediately develop and implement a nationwide public education campaign on mental health. The initiative will include:

• Regular community seminars
• Engagements with church groups and community organizations
• Weekly workplace outreach sessions focused on promoting mental wellness and early intervention

As part of its broader strategy, the Cabinet also approved the construction of a 10-room transitional facility (halfway house) by National Housing, specifically designed to provide critical support and intervention services for at-risk women facing mental health challenges.

In addition, preliminary work is underway on the development of the new home for the Clare View Hospital at Seaview Farm, which will further expand the country’s capacity for delivering specialized mental health care.

To build a skilled workforce capable of supporting this mental health agenda, the Cabinet agreed to offer scholarships for individuals to pursue professional qualificationsin mental health care, including counseling and psychiatric support.

The Government’s efforts will also be supported by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), which is collaborating with the Ministry of Health on the development of acomprehensive mental health policy frameworkaimed at modernizing and enhancing service delivery across Antigua and Barbuda.

1. **The Minister of Health, the Honourable Sir Molwyn Joseph, informed the Cabinet that arrangements have been finalized for the immediate relocation of the Browne’s Avenue Clinic to the Infectious Disease Centre (IDC) located at the former Holberton Hospital site.** This temporary move will facilitate critical repairs and upgrades to the existing Browne’s Avenue facility, ensuring improved service delivery upon its reopening.

In addition, the Minister reported that the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre is moving forward with plans to enhance services for individuals living with Sickle Cell Disease. A dedicated space at the IDC has been designated to provide specialized care for sickle cell patients, as part of the hospital’s expanded healthcare offerings. This new unit will be fully managed and staffed by the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre.

To complement these services, the Centre will also launch a national registration drive for all sickle cell patients in Antigua and Barbuda, with the aim of developing a comprehensive patient database to improve long-term care, treatment access, and resource planning.

1. **The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda welcomed the Management Team of the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) for a comprehensive briefing on the progress of several key infrastructure projects currently underway.

The team reported that construction of the reverse osmosis plant at Barnacle Point is now 50% complete, while the Ffryes Beach desalination facility is operating at full capacity, producing up to one million gallons of water per day to support the nation’s growing demand.

In addition, the Cabinet was updated on the advancement of the China-Aid Antigua and Barbuda Pipe Rehabilitation Project, supported by an EC$1 million grant from the Government of the People’s Republic of China. Under this initiative, extensive pipeline upgrades will be carried out in the following areas:

• Factory to Buckley Booster
• Parham Booster to Cassada Gardens
• Moravian Church Liberta to Patterson Tank
• Golden Grove Triangle to Grays Hill

Further progress was reported on the following critical infrastructure projects:

• Valley Road Project – ongoing, with completion expected by July 18
• Point Project – in progress, with completion expected within six weeks
• Church Pond Project – 95% completed
• Crabbs Plant Site – removal of existing steel frame structure underway to facilitate construction of the new Crabbs Plant (formerly referred to as the Bethesda Plant)
• Fort James Ultra Filtration Project – fully completed

The Cabinet reiterated its policy that APUA must maintain close coordination with the Ministry of Works for the repair and installation of water infrastructure, and for the subsequent resurfacing of affected roads.

To this end, APUA is in the process of developing a standards document outlining best practices for pipe replacement and road reinstatement, which will be submitted to the Ministry of Housing and Works for approval.

Additionally, APUA has committed to purchasing specialized equipment and recruiting and training personnel to ensure efficient pipe repairs and the proper restoration of major roads.

The Cabinet was also informed that both APUA and the Ministry of Works will prioritize improvements to key roads in St. John’s in preparation for the upcoming Carnival season, ensuring that infrastructure is safe, reliable, and in optimal condition for residents and visitors alike.

1. **The Cabinet has approved a proposal from the****Ministry of Education****to merge****Glanvilles Secondary School****and****Pares Secondary School****, effective at the start of the****new academic year in September****.

Acting Director of Education, Dr. Jonah Greene, informed the Cabinet that the merger was necessary due to the declining student populations at both institutions. Glanvilles currently enrolls 163 students and Paes 178 students—figures that have led to unsustainably small class sizes and underutilized subject offerings in both schools.

Dr. Greene assured the Cabinet that theconsolidation will not cause disruption to either students or staff. All students will be accommodated at Pares Secondary School, while teachers will be reassigned to other educational institutions or retained within the Ministry of Education system.

Dr. Greene stated that the merger is not driven by cost-cutting, but rather by a commitment to creating a sustainable and dynamic learning environment—one that prioritizes educational quality, operational efficiency, and equity, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to thrive both academically and socially.

As part of the transition, the Cabinet also approved a recommendation by the Ministry torepurpose the Glanvilles Secondary School as the new home for the School of Agriculture. This aligns with the Government’s broader commitment to enhancing food security and expanding access to specialized agricultural education and training.

Glanvilles Secondary School is already equipped with key facilities to support this transformation, including:

• A Home Economics Department
• A Science Laboratory
• Animal pens
• A Hydroponic unit
• Established farm plots

The Ministry of Education will host informational meetings with parents, teachers, and union representatives in the coming weeks to outline the merger process and ensure a smooth, well-coordinated transition for all stakeholders.

1. **The Cabinet has announced the appointment of****veteran educator Mr. Colin Greene as the new Sports Commissioner of Antigua and Barbuda. Mr. Greene will officially demit office as Principal of the Princess Margaret Schoolon 1st July 2025, and will assume his new role on 1st August 2025.

The Cabinet extended its deep appreciation to Mr. Greene for his outstanding contributions to the education sector and his distinguished tenure as principal of one of the nation’s leading secondary schools for over twenty-three years. His leadership and commitment have had a lasting impact on generations of students.

The Cabinet regards his appointment as asignificant step forward for sports developmentin Antigua and Barbuda and looks forward to the expertise and vision he will bring to the role in fostering athletic excellence and national pride.