**REPORT FROM THE CABINET OF ANTIGUA AND BARBUDAMEETING OF WEDNESDAY 31 st 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 Isaiah 41: 10 which speaks about not having fear for God is with us and provides help and strength in time of need. He prayed that God will give the members of the Cabinet guidance as they make choices on behalf of the people whom they serve.
1. The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has extended its commendation to the Commissioner of Police and the members of the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda for their intensified efforts in the ongoing fight against crime across the nation.
The Cabinet specifically praised the Force for its recent targeted sting operation in the Sutherlands community, which resulted in the confiscation of over 130 rounds of ammunition, including 9mm and .38 caliber rounds.
In addition to the ammunition, law enforcement officers seized several magazines and accessories:
* 1 9mm Magazine
* 1 Smith & Wesson .40 Calibre Magazine
* 1 Sig Sauer 9mm Magazine
* 1 Smith & Wesson .40 Calibre Speed Loader
* 1 AK 45mm Magazine
The Cabinet lauded this operation as a significant step forward in disrupting illegal firearms activity and reaffirmed its commitment to providing the Royal Police Force with the necessary resources, training, and manpower required to effectively combat crime and protect citizens.
The government continues to stand in full support of the Force’s efforts to uphold law and order and to ensure a safer Antigua and Barbuda for all. Three individuals ranging between the ages of 19 to 30 years are assisting the police with further investigations.
1. The Cabinet welcomed the Directors and Chairman and Members of the Board of the Social Security Scheme, during which Prime Minister Browne provided an update and rationale on the government’s plan to consolidate bond obligations owed to Social Security, the strategy to leverage the Jolly Beach property as an investment vehicle for Social Security, and the broader vision to ensure long-term sustainability of the pension fund.
Prime Minister stated that the Jolly Beach Hotel has positioned itself as a Strategic Asset; outlining that
* Approximately USD $5 million has been spent on refurbishing the Resort.
* The asset is now producing consistent profits and generating substantial tax revenues (around $3.5–$4 million in ABST and head taxes), and that
* The resort has accommodated 35,000 guests recently, showcasing its revived appeal and potential.
Upon full renovation and expansion, the resort will be vested in the Social Security Board, turning a previously non-performing government obligation (bond debt) into a revenue-generating asset.
* This approach provides Social Security with:
* Long-term capital appreciation,
* Steady income streams from operations,
* The ability to resell rooms under the Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP).
The Prime Minister estimates:
* USD $100 million in gross sales under CIP,
* Net proceeds of around USD $75 million, reflecting a 200% return on the initial investment,
* A potential 15–20% annual return on investment, far surpassing returns from traditional bonds or treasury instruments.
He argues this performance would dramatically improve Social Security’s annual portfolio yield, building reserves and sustainability for pensions.
The Prime Minister pointed out that the investment is structured to ensure Social Security holds title to the asset. If the resort underperforms, Social Security still retains real estate that can be sold to recover capital.
In addition, ownership of CIP-purchased rooms remains with the buyers, but the units stay in the rental pool—generating recurring revenue. He described the as low-risk, high-return, with minimal exposure compared to investing in traditional government debt.
The Cabinet, Directors and Board Members participated in robust discussions on the issue which concluded with all parties agreeing that they were on the same path of ensuring the sustainability of the scheme. The Directors and Board affirmed that they are not opposed to the measure that brings value to the Social Security Scheme.
The Prime Minister reaffirms the government’s commitment to:
* Sustain Social Security without increasing pension age or contribution rates,
* Maximize value from underutilized national assets,
* And engage respectfully with Social Security leadership to finalize the structure.
All parties will resume planning sessions when Cabinet resumes after the Summer break.
1. The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda welcomed Chief Environmental Officer Diann Black-Layne for in-depth discussions on the advancement of a national housing renewal initiative. The programme aims to:
* Replace derelict housing structures across Antigua and Barbuda,
* Scale up the delivery of affordable housing using modern construction materials and techniques,
* Secure donor financing and co-funding for large-scale implementation, and
* Strengthen inter-agency collaboration in housing and social development efforts.
Ms. Black-Layne outlined a strategic construction model that includes:
* The use of modular, prefabricated “chattel-style” homes, designed with Caribbean architectural aesthetics,
* Integration of fire-retardant, climate-resilient, and low-maintenance materials,
* Foundations constructed using the traditional concrete pile method,
* Establishment of a mobile production unit for onsite cutting and assembly of components, and
* A classification system for housing applicants:
* Category A: Clear land ownership and title,
* Category B/C: Unclear or communal ownership requiring relocation or policy reform.
The estimated cost per unit is $40,000 to $45,000 XCD, inclusive of materials, labour, and logistics. While labour costs remain manageable, steps will be taken to ensure material prices remain within budget. The government’s goal is to construct 1,000 homes annually over the next few years.
The Cabinet was informed that approximately $17 million XCD is currently available to commence rollout. The overall target is to raise $100 million XCD through grants, donor partnerships, and revolving credit mechanisms. One donor has already pledged $750,000 USD in technical assistance. The financing structure envisions co-investment, where the government covers construction materials and donors provide capacity-building support.
Additional logistical measures include:
* Scaling up block production,
* Expedited procurement of a new block plant,
* Bulk purchasing of materials, and
* Implementation of consignment supply chains to ensure timely delivery.
Cabinet Ministers emphasized the moral urgency and national importance of this programme—not only to improve the lives of citizens in vulnerable living conditions but also to enhance the aesthetic and infrastructural development of the nation. The initiative builds on the previously approved HAPPI framework, and Ministers reaffirmed their strong political and ethical commitment to accelerating this effort. There is consensus that housing transformation is a central pillar of the Gaston Browne Administration’s social policy agenda.
In the coming weeks, Ms. Black-Layne will:
* Submit the finalized programme document to Cabinet,
* Conduct follow-up discussions with UNDP and donor agencies to reassign or expedite funding support, and
* Begin preparatory work on modular construction pilot sites, starting within the Rastafarian community.
The government is also working to mobilize an additional $15–$25 million XCD through co-financing and donor contributions to ensure the programme’s rapid expansion and long-term success.
1. The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda welcomed a delegation of prospective investors presenting plans to develop a sustainable, wellness-focused resort designed to portray a more holistic image of Antigua, beyond its traditional beach tourism appeal. The proposed development embraces the principles of regenerative tourism, emphasizing community engagement, agricultural integration, and local economic empowerment.
The resort concept integrates tourism, wellness, and cultural immersion through a wide array of offerings, including:
* Yoga and meditation experiences
* Saunas and cold-water therapy
* Guided rainforest hikes
* Farm-to-table culinary services
The project also plans to source up to 85% of restaurant ingredients locally, reinforcing the agricultural sector and promoting food sustainability. In addition, the initiative envisions Antiguan craft workshops, cooking classes, and partnerships with female-led cottage industries—providing platforms for cultural expression and economic inclusion. Retail operations will focus on locally made goods, steering away from mass-produced souvenirs to create a uniquely Antiguan experience.
The total investment is projected at USD $16.5 million, with the following expected outcomes:
#### The Construction Phase has a Timeline of 24 months with Employment at Approximately 100 local jobs created during construction
#### During the Operational Phase:
* Estimated occupancy rate: 65%
* Average nightly rate: USD $300–$500
* Projected annual revenue: USD $5 million
* Annual ABST (sales tax): Approx. XCD $860,000
* Annual head taxes: Approx. XCD $14,000
The proposed resort aligns closely with several key national development priorities:
* Diversifying the tourism sector beyond traditional beach tourism
* Expanding eco-tourism and community-based travel experiences
* Empowering local entrepreneurs, artisans, and small producers
* Enhancing the long-term sustainability of the tourism industry
The Cabinet has expressed interest in the project and will consider it further upon receipt of additional documentation. A key next step includes evaluating the proposal for the approval and lease of designated Crown lands to facilitate development.
1. Prime Minister the Honourable Gaston Browne on a personal basis, and on behalf of the Cabinet, has extended sincere commendation to the Central Board of Health (CBH) for their outstanding efforts in cleaning St. John’s and surrounding areas following events for this year’s carnival festivities.
The Cabinet noted that CBH employees consistently deliver exceptional results, restoring the city to pristine condition after each major national event. While expressing gratitude, Cabinet also reiterated its call for greater civic responsibility, urging revelers and citizens to take pride in maintaining the cleanliness of the city and the wider nation.
High praise was also extended to the Public Works Department for its ongoing work on the nation’s roads and byways. The Cabinet recognized the productivity, dedication, and pride exhibited by staff and encouraged that same standard of excellence to inspire performance across the public service.
In a related update, the Minister for Agriculture informed Cabinet that cleanup and land preparation activities are currently underway at CADES Bay, supported by recently acquired equipment. Additional machinery is expected to arrive shortly, after which work will continue at Christian Valley. These efforts will facilitate the sub-division and productive use of agricultural lands previously in need of clearing.