Director General of Communication Maurice Merchant

REPORT FROM THE CABINET OF ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA

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MEETING OF WEDNESDAY 11th NOVEMBER 2026

The meeting of Cabinet commenced with a meditation led by the pastor, who reflected on the teachings of Romans 13:1–7, which address the importance of respecting authority, fulfilling civic responsibilities and recognising the role of governing institutions in maintaining order and promoting the common good.

The pastor highlighted the responsibility that accompanies leadership and the importance of exercising authority with wisdom, fairness and a sense of accountability. He reminded members that leadership is not simply about holding positions of authority, but about serving others and carrying out their responsibilities in a manner that reflects integrity, justice and concern for the welfare of the people.

He further emphasised the importance of respecting established institutions and upholding the principles of good governance. The passage, he noted, provides guidance on the relationship between authority and responsibility, reminding those entrusted with leadership that their decisions and actions should be guided by a commitment to what is right and beneficial to society.

The meditation encouraged members of Cabinet to remain mindful of the significant responsibility placed upon them and to approach their duties with humility, discernment and a genuine commitment to national service.

The pastor concluded by offering prayers for members of Cabinet, asking God to grant them His guidance, wisdom and understanding as they deliberate on matters affecting the nation. He prayed that their decisions and actions would be guided by divine direction and that they would continue to serve the people with integrity and in the best interests of Antigua and Barbuda.

Cabinet Expresses Concern over Escalating Violence among School Children

The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda chaired by Acting Prime Minister Sir Steadroy Benjamin, has expressed serious concern over recent reports of violence involving schoolchildren and confrontations among young people.

Cabinet discussed the incidents and underscored the importance of ensuring that disagreements and disputes among students are resolved through established and peaceful channels rather than through physical confrontation, intimidation or violence.

The Government is therefore appealing to students to exercise restraint, respect one another and observe the rules and procedures established by schools and the wider community for resolving disagreements. Parents and guardians are also being urged to play an active role in guiding their children, reinforcing positive behaviour and discouraging any involvement in violence.

Cabinet emphasised that disagreements should never be allowed to escalate into physical altercations that place the safety and well-being of students and others at risk. Parents are encouraged to engage constructively with school authorities whenever conflicts arise and to support efforts aimed at maintaining safe learning environments.

Cabinet was advised that the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda will be adopting a firm and uncompromising approach to incidents involving youth violence. Individuals found to have engaged in violent or disruptive conduct will be subject to appropriate enforcement action, including being charged and brought before the courts for offences such as disturbing the peace, where applicable.

The Government wishes to make clear that violence among young people will not be treated as acceptable conduct. While the authorities remain committed to protecting children and supporting their development, those who engage in unlawful behaviour must understand that their actions carry consequences.

Cabinet is calling on students, parents, teachers and the wider community to work together to discourage violence, promote peaceful conflict resolution and ensure that schools remain safe environments in which children can learn, develop and achieve their full potential.

Cabinet Welcomes New European Food Supply arrangement to Diversity Markets and Reduce Import Costs

The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda received a presentation on a new arrangement facilitated by the Ministry of Agriculture to procure fresh fruits and vegetables from European markets, as part of the Government’s continuing efforts to diversify the country’s food supply sources and improve the availability and affordability of produce.

Cabinet was informed that the first official shipment of fruits and vegetables from Europe arrived in Antigua this week, marking an important step in establishing new trade links and expanding the range of food products available to local consumers.

The European supplier, Paradise Foods, indicated that the new arrangement could provide produce at prices approximately 35 to 40 per cent lower than those currently obtained through other source markets. The arrangement is therefore expected to create opportunities for savings in the procurement of fresh produce while reducing the country’s dependence on traditional supply channels.

During the presentation, the company explained that its supply network draws on agricultural production across several locations, including Germany, Spain, Morocco, Egypt and Peru. Its extensive sourcing and production arrangements allow it to provide a broad variety of fruits and vegetables, with fewer intermediaries involved in the supply chain.

The company also highlighted its existing commercial relationships with the Governments of Barbados and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, where it supplies food distribution arrangements. It expressed interest in developing a similar relationship with Antigua and Barbuda, working through the Central Marketing Corporation (CMC), as proposed by the Prime Minister.

Cabinet was advised that the initiative is intended not only to introduce alternative sources of imported produce but also to strengthen the country’s resilience against disruptions in international supply chains. The company noted that reliance on a limited number of source markets can create vulnerabilities when particular products become unavailable because of seasonal conditions, climate events or geopolitical developments.

The European arrangement is expected to broaden the range of products available to Antigua and Barbuda and provide an alternative when supplies from traditional markets are limited. The presentation also highlighted the food-safety standards applied in European markets and the company’s willingness to work with the relevant local authorities to meet Antigua and Barbuda’s import requirements.

A further area of opportunity identified during the presentation was the development of cold-storage infrastructure in Antigua and Barbuda. The company expressed a willingness to explore investment in cold-storage facilities, in collaboration with the Government and the CMC, and to provide training in the proper handling and storage of fresh produce.

The proposed investment would help extend the shelf life of imported fruits and vegetables, reduce spoilage and improve the efficiency of the food distribution system. The company also suggested that Antigua and Barbuda could serve as a distribution hub for neighbouring islands, with the potential to source local agricultural produce for onward sale to regional markets.

This arrangement could create additional opportunities for local farmers by providing access to a wider regional market and encouraging greater participation in agricultural production and distribution.

Cabinet was also informed of the potential benefits to the tourism sector, particularly hotels and the cruise industry. The company indicated that it was already making arrangements for containers of produce from Germany to arrive in Antigua in early December to supply cruise ships. The development could strengthen Antigua and Barbuda’s capacity to supply fresh provisions to vessels and support efforts to attract additional cruise business, including opportunities for home-porting.

The presentation was welcomed as a positive step towards diversifying food supply sources, reducing procurement costs and strengthening the country’s food security. The proposed collaboration with the CMC, investment in cold-storage infrastructure and opportunities for local farmers could also contribute to the development of Antigua and Barbuda as a regional distribution centre for fresh produce.

Cabinet Reviews National Preparedness for 2027 CFATF Mutual Evaluation

Director of the ONDCP Colonel Edward Croft made a presentation to Cabinet on Antigua and Barbuda’s state of preparedness for the 2027 Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) Mutual Evaluation, outlining the progress achieved to date, emerging national risks and the priority actions required to ensure the country is adequately prepared for the assessment.

The presentation, submitted through the National Oversight Committee on Financial Action (NOCFA), focused on the country’s preparations for the Mutual Evaluation scheduled for September 2027. The assessment will examine Antigua and Barbuda’s compliance with the 40 Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Recommendations and the effectiveness of its framework for combating money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation financing.

Cabinet was advised that the preparatory process includes the completion of a Technical Compliance Questionnaire, an assessment of the country’s effectiveness in addressing financial crime, and the development of a National Risk Assessment (NRA). The submission identified February 27, 2027, as the deadline for the Technical Compliance Questionnaire, with effectiveness submissions anticipated in May 2027.

Colonel Croft outlined the work being undertaken by NOCFA and the relevant working groups, while identifying capacity constraints, gaps in information gathering and the need for stronger coordination among ministries, departments, agencies and competent authorities.

Cabinet was advised that the successful completion of the national readiness programme will require timely and accurate submissions from all institutions involved in the Mutual Evaluation process. These submissions must be supported by verifiable statistics, case information, policies, records and other evidence demonstrating the country’s compliance and effectiveness.

The presentation also identified the need for additional technical and administrative resources, specialist training, improved financial intelligence capabilities and legislative support to address outstanding requirements.

Following the presentation, Cabinet requested that each ministry concerned be identified and required to submit its specific requirements for meeting the obligations associated with the 2027 CFATF Mutual Evaluation. These should include the information, documentation, personnel, technical support, legislative measures and other resources required by the respective ministries and their associated departments and agencies.

Cabinet underscored the importance of ensuring that each ministry understands its responsibilities and is able to provide the necessary evidence and institutional support within the prescribed timelines.

The presentation also proposed the establishment of a time-bound National Readiness Committee under the NOCFA coordination framework, with responsibility for strengthening inter-agency participation, addressing delays and submitting a consolidated national readiness assessment and costed corrective-action plan to Cabinet.

Cabinet recognised that the 2027 Mutual Evaluation is a significant national undertaking requiring the coordinated participation of the entire public sector. The Government is committed to ensuring that Antigua and Barbuda is adequately prepared, with the necessary institutional capacity, technical compliance and supporting evidence to demonstrate the effectiveness of its anti-money laundering, counter-terrorist financing and counter-proliferation financing framework.

Government to Commence Public Consultations on Proposed Residential Tenancy and Older Persons Protection Legislation

The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has been advised that the Ministry of Legal Affairs, under the leadership of the Attorney General, will commence public consultations on two proposed pieces of legislation aimed at strengthening legal protections and addressing important social concerns affecting residents.

The proposed Landlord and Tenant (Residential Tenancies) Bill 2026 and the Older Persons (Care and Protection) Bill 2026 form part of the Government’s continuing legislative reform programme, with the objective of modernising the legal framework and providing greater protection for members of the public.

The first consultation will take place on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. at the Parliament Building. Landlords, tenants, real estate professionals, legal practitioners and other interested members of the public have been encouraged to participate.

The proposed Landlord and Tenant (Residential Tenancies) Bill seeks to establish a clearer and more contemporary framework governing residential rental arrangements. The initiative follows concerns raised by both landlords and tenants regarding rental increases, late-payment charges, unpaid rent, outstanding utility bills and the respective responsibilities of parties to tenancy agreements.

The existing legislative framework, which includes the Small Tenements Act and the Rent Restriction Act, is regarded as outdated and in need of modernisation to reflect present-day conditions in the residential rental market.

The consultation will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to express their views, share their experiences and make recommendations to help shape legislation that provides clarity, fairness and appropriate protection for both landlords and tenants.

The Government is also advancing the proposed Older Persons (Care and Protection) Bill 2026, which is intended to strengthen the framework for the care, protection and well-being of older members of society.

The proposed legislation seeks to address concerns affecting older persons, including their vulnerability to neglect, abuse and inadequate care. It is intended to provide a more responsive legal framework to safeguard their welfare and ensure that appropriate protections are available to those who may be unable to adequately care for or protect themselves.

The consultation process will allow relevant stakeholders, including older persons, families, caregivers, social service professionals, healthcare practitioners, residential care providers and advocacy organisations, to contribute their perspectives on the proposed measures.

Cabinet recognises that meaningful public consultation is essential to the development of legislation that is practical, fair and responsive to the needs of the people.

The Government is therefore encouraging broad participation in the consultation process. The views and recommendations received will assist the Ministry of Legal Affairs in examining the proposed provisions and refining the legislative framework before the Bills advance through the legislative process. These initiatives reflect the Government’s commitment to modernising the laws of Antigua and Barbuda, strengthening the protection of vulnerable members of society and ensuring that the rights and responsibilities of individuals are clearly established

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: CABINET NOTES: Wednesday 11th November 2026.