**REPORT FROM THE CABINET OF ANTIGUA AND BARBUDAMEETING OF WEDNESDAY 23 rd JULY 2025
**Wednesday’s Cabinet Meeting was chaired by Prime Minister the Honourable Gaston Browne**. The Prayers before Cabinet was led by a Pentecostal Pastor who read from Mark 4: 37-39 which speaks about Jesus calming the storm. The Pastor identified three points, namely: Storms may appear – even in obedience; God is present – even when silent and that God has authority over every storm. The pastor prayed for members of the cabinet to be granted wisdom as they lead, courage to act, and Faith to trust in God in very storm.
1. The Cabinet welcomed the Director and Deputy Director of the Social Security Scheme, who presented a detailed report on the Scheme’s performance over the past 15 years. From the outset, both officials voiced strong support for the Cabinet’s decision of Social Security investing in the redevelopment of the Jolly Beach Resort. They cited provisions in the Social Security Act, which establish a Social Security Fund Investment Committee responsible for managing the Scheme’s investment portfolio under the guidance of the Minister responsible—i.e., the Cabinet.
The team emphasized the clear legal framework governing the Fund:
* The Cabinet and responsible Minister retain ultimate authority over the Fund’s strategic direction and investments.
* The Investment Committee and Board provide oversight; however, Cabinet approval is required for all investment decisions, particularly following legislative amendments made in 2016.
The importance of maintaining fiduciary responsibility and safeguarding the solvency of the Fund was repeatedly underscored.
Cabinet was reminded of the Scheme’s prior financial crisis between 2010 and 2013, during which it was unable to meet pension obligations. The then administration was forced to secure a $30 million injection from the IMF to prevent collapse. In contrast, under the stewardship of Prime Minister Gaston Browne, the Scheme was stabilized and restored to solvency—even during the COVID-19 pandemic, when monthly contributions fell from EC $12 million to EC $7 million. Despite this downturn, the government kept its payments to the Scheme up to date.
As of now, the Scheme has reached a historic milestone with 47,000 active contributors, the highest in its history. This has enabled a monthly surplus of EC $2 million. However, this positive status remains fragile due to structural and demographic challenges—particularly the sharp increase in life expectancy. When pension eligibility was first set at age 60, most males did not live beyond that age. Today, many pensioners live into their 70s and 80s, drawing benefits for up to 20 years, making the current structure financially unsustainable.
Led by Prime Minister Browne, the session featured robust discussions on the financial sustainability and reform of the Social Security system, covering long-term investment strategies, demographic realities, and regional integration within the OECS. A critical point was that the current contributions-to-payout ratio is 5.9:1, whereas a ratio closer to 10:1 is necessary for long-term viability.
The meeting concluded with consensus that the session was a strategic and forward-thinking engagement, focused on securing the future of Antigua and Barbuda’s Social Security Fund through financial restructuring, real estate investments like the Jolly Beach Resort, legal oversight, and regional collaboration. The overarching goal is to ensure the system remains viable, resilient, and responsive for current and future generations.
At the conclusion, the Honourable Attorney General informed Cabinet that a formal debate on the government’s support for the Social Security Scheme’s investment in the Jolly Beach Resort will be held on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at 9:30 a.m.
1. The Cabinet was briefed on what it unequivocally described as bureaucratic tactics being employed by shareholders of the Eastern Caribbean Amalgamated Bank (ECAB) to block the conversion of the government’s 25% preference shares into ordinary equity shares.
Cabinet strongly condemned these actions as intentional and obstructive, asserting that the bank’s shareholders are actively undermining the government’s rightful equity position. This calculated resistance is viewed as a profit-hoarding maneuver designed to erode and dilute the government’s ownership stake over time.
The Cabinet issued a direct call to ECAB shareholders to cease this obstruction immediately and to facilitate the rightful conversion without further delay. It made clear that continued resistance will not be tolerated.
Once the conversion is executed, the government intends to divest a portion of its ordinary shares to the public, in line with its commitment to domestic economic empowerment and broader citizen ownership of national assets.
In conclusion, Cabinet underscored that it will pursue all available political and legal avenues—without hesitation—to secure and protect the interests of the people of Antigua and Barbuda.
1. The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has renewed and intensified its call for the immediate removal of derelict vehicles from public streets and roadways across the nation. As part of its broader commitment to the beautification and environmental enhancement of the island, Cabinet emphasized that the continued presence of these abandoned vehicles presents not only an eyesore, but also public health and safety risks, and is a clear violation of national litter and sanitation laws.
Cabinet has directed the relevant authorities, including the Royal Police Force, the Antigua and Barbuda Transport Board, and local government departments, to move swiftly and decisively to identify and remove all derelict vehicles. Furthermore, individuals who fail to comply or who are found in breach of existing litter laws will be fined and prosecuted, as the government moves to enforce environmental regulations with renewed urgency.
In addition, Cabinet has issued a directive for the immediate removal of all abandoned boats from fisheries complexes across the country. The operation will begin with the fisheries complex at Point, where a designated area is being cleared to facilitate the construction of a new office complex for the Antigua and Barbuda Department of Marine Services (ADOMS).
Cabinet reiterated that these efforts are part of a larger national strategy to:
* Promote civic pride and community responsibility
* Prepare key sites for economic and infrastructural development
* Ensure that public spaces are safe, clean, and representative of a modern, forward-looking Antigua and Barbuda
The government urges all citizens to cooperate with these initiatives and take personal responsibility for maintaining the cleanliness and visual appeal of their surroundings. Cabinet made it clear: the era of neglecting public space is over, and enforcement will be robust, consistent, and unrelenting.
1. The Minister for Health, the Honourable Sir Molwyn Joseph, informed the Cabinet that the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre (SLBMC) is advancing its plans to significantly enhance healthcare services for individuals living with Sickle Cell Disease.
As part of this initiative, a dedicated treatment space has been identified at the Infectious Disease Centre (IDC), located on the site of the former Holberton Hospital. This facility will offer specialized care and support tailored to the unique needs of sickle cell patients, representing a major expansion of SLBMC’s healthcare services.
During a recent tour of the facility alongside members of the Sickle Cell Association and individuals affected by the disease, Minister Joseph reaffirmed the government’s commitment to this project. He announced that the designated area will undergo further development to create a fully equipped and patient-centered unit, and confirmed that construction will begin immediately. The Minister underscored that the establishment of this unit is a top priority for the SLBMC.
To complement these clinical services, the Centre will also launch a national registration drive to identify and register all sickle cell patients across Antigua and Barbuda. The goal is to build a comprehensive national database that will enhance long-term care, improve access to treatment, and support more effective planning and allocation of healthcare resources.
This initiative forms part of the government’s holistic and inclusive approach to healthcare delivery—ensuring that vulnerable groups receive the targeted attention and high-quality care they deserve.
1. The Cabinet received an update from the Honourable Minister for Agriculture on his Ministry’s ongoing efforts to construct a series of new dams and water catchment ponds across Antigua. This initiative is part of the government’s broader strategy to bolster national food security and reduce dependence on desalinated water for agricultural use.
In support of this critical project, Cabinet has immediately approved funding for the purchase of a dedicated excavator, which will be used to accelerate the construction of these water storage facilities. This equipment investment signals the government’s commitment to providing the necessary tools and resources to implement water infrastructure solutions that will directly benefit local farmers and enhance irrigation capacity.
This latest development follows Cabinet’s decision, made several months ago, to prioritize the development of water catchment systems as a key pillar of its national food production agenda. Recognizing that reliable and affordable water access is essential to sustainable farming, the government is taking a proactive approach to ensure the agricultural sector is better equipped to withstand drought conditions and climate variability.
The Minister further informed Cabinet that the Ministry of Agriculture is collaborating closely with the Geology Department of the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) to identify the most viable and strategic locations for the construction of dams and ponds. This partnership ensures that scientific and environmental assessments guide the site selection process, optimizing the long-term functionality and impact of the new infrastructure.
The government views these developments as essential steps toward building climate resilience, empowering farmers, and securing the nation’s agro-economic future.