REPORT FROM THE CABINET OF ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA
MEETING OF WEDNESDAY 22nd July 2026

Pastor Baltimore opened the Cabinet meeting by reflecting on the profound changes that have taken place in Antigua and Barbuda over the past several decades. Recalling the nation’s earlier years, he observed that society was once more firmly grounded in Christian values and reverence for God, resulting in communities that were more peaceful, respectful and united.

He lamented that many of today’s social challenges—including youth violence, vandalism and a decline in moral values—reflect a growing departure from those spiritual foundations. He noted that while Carnival remains an important cultural celebration, the nation must also remain mindful of the need to preserve its spiritual identity and ensure that faith continues to have a central place in national life.

Pastor Baltimore urged leaders, churches and citizens to work collectively to reintroduce God into communities across Antigua and Barbuda. He said that pastors and congregations need to intensify their prayers for the nation and called on families to strengthen parenting and instill sound moral values in young people. He stressed that youths require not only educational opportunities, but also the fear of God and positive guidance if they are to resist negative influences and become responsible citizens.

He also highlighted concerns about the vandalism of public facilities, including sporting complexes and playgrounds, suggesting that these behaviours point to a deeper need for spiritual renewal and stronger community engagement. He emphasized that without addressing the moral and spiritual development of the nation’s youth, many of the country’s social and developmental efforts would fall short of their intended impact.

Pastor Baltimore commended the Government for its continued efforts to improve the lives of citizens while encouraging the leaders to remain focused on serving the people with integrity and compassion. He said churches, pastors and community leaders too must work in partnership for the benefit of the nation and to play an active role in fostering hope, discipline and national unity.

Concluding his meditation, Pastor Baltimore led Cabinet in prayer, asking that God’s continued blessings remain upon Antigua and Barbuda. He prayed that the Lord would guide and grant wisdom to the members of Cabinet as they make decisions in the best interests of all citizens and residents, and that His hand would continue to rest upon the nation, bringing peace, protection and prosperity.

1.

Cabinet Ratifies First Freehold Land Certificates in Barbuda’s History

The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has taken a landmark and historic decision by ratifying the first-ever freehold land certificates for Barbudans, marking a transformative moment in the island’s history and laying the foundation for the establishment of the Barbuda Land Registry.

For the first time since the settlement of Barbuda, Barbudans will hold legal freehold title to their lands, providing families with secure ownership, legal certainty, and an asset that can be transferred, inherited, or leveraged for future economic opportunities.

The Cabinet ratified the issuance of the inaugural freehold land certificates to the following recipients:

•⁠ ⁠Mr. Attienne Davis

•⁠ ⁠Mr. Arthur Nibbs

•⁠ ⁠Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force – Coast Guard

•⁠ ⁠Mr. Chaz Askie

•⁠ ⁠Mrs. Evamay Askie George

These recipients are the first beneficiaries under the Government’s historic “$1 an Acre for Barbudans” Land Empowerment Programme, an initiative designed to empower Barbudans through individual land ownership while promoting investment, homeownership, and long-term economic security.

Under the programme, eligible Barbudans will receive up to one acre of land for the nominal sum of one dollar (EC$1). Persons who currently occupy parcels exceeding one acre will have the additional lands professionally surveyed and independently valued to facilitate the regularization of ownership.

The Cabinet noted that the ratification of these first certificates represents far more than an administrative milestone. It is the beginning of a new era in Barbuda’s development, creating the legal framework upon which the Barbuda Land Registry will be built and enabling a modern system of land administration that provides clarity, transparency, and security of tenure.

Cabinet further advised that additional parcels of land across Barbuda are currently being identified and prepared for survey to facilitate the issuance of further freehold land certificates in the coming weeks and months. This phased approach will ensure that many more Barbudans are able to benefit from the programme.

The Government views this initiative as a significant step in expanding economic opportunity for Barbudans by allowing landowners to utilize their property to build homes, establish businesses, access financing, and create generational wealth while preserving their connection to the island.

Cabinet reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the land regularization programme is implemented in a fair, transparent, and orderly manner, delivering on its pledge to empower the people of Barbuda through secure land ownership and sustainable development.

The ratification of these first freehold land certificates will be remembered as a defining chapter in Barbuda’s history—one in which Barbudans become, for the first time, legal freehold owners of their land.

2.

Prime Minister Updates Cabinet on High Court Ruling in Defamation Proceedings

Prime Minister the Hon. Gaston Browne on Wednesday updated Cabinet on the latest developments in the defamation proceedings he has instituted in the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court against Mr. Martin De Luca and the law firm Boies Schiller Flexner LLP.

Cabinet was informed that, on 21st July 2026, Master Carlos Cameron Michel dismissed an application by the Second Defendant, Boies Schiller Flexner LLP, seeking to strike out the Prime Minister’s claim at a preliminary stage.

The application had argued, among other things, that the claim failed to comply with certain provisions of the Civil Procedure Rules and disclosed no reasonable grounds for bringing a claim in defamation. After hearing submissions from both parties and considering the written arguments and supporting authorities, the Court refused the application.

As part of its ruling, the Court ordered the Second Defendant (the law firm Boies Schiller Flexner LLP.) to pay costs to the Claimant in the sum of EC$1,500.00 on or before 12th August 2026. The Court further directed the Second Defendant to file its defence by 4th September 2026, after which the Claimant will have the opportunity to file a reply within the prescribed period. The matter will then proceed to case management in accordance with the Civil Procedure Rules.

Prime Minister Browne advised Cabinet that the ruling represents an important procedural milestone, as it allows the substantive issues raised in the claim to proceed before the Court for determination on their merits.

He said that he welcomed the Court’s ruling, which has reaffirmed the importance of truth, fairness, and accountability in public discourse. While robust opposition and debate is an essential feature of any democracy, defamatory statements that unjustly damage an individual’s reputation have no place in our society.

He said that this outcome is not simply a personal vindication but also a reminder that freedom of expression carries corresponding responsibilities. He said that he remains fully committed to serving the people of Antigua and Barbuda with integrity and will continue to focus on advancing the nation’s development while respecting the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary.”

Cabinet unanimously endorsed Prime Minister Gaston Browne’s decision to pursue legal redress through the courts, affirming that this initial outcome reinforces the principles of accountability, the rule of law, and the protection of individuals from defamatory and malicious falsehoods.

3.

Cabinet Reviews Progress on Major Road Infrastructure Programme Financed by EC$100 Million Bond and US$33 Million CDB Loan

The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has received a comprehensive update from the Financial Secretary and the senior management team of the Ministry of Works on the implementation of the Government’s national road rehabilitation programme, which is being financed through an EC$100 million bond issue raised from a consortium of local banks and a US$33 million loan from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).

Cabinet was advised that the financing arrangements are progressing as planned and are expected to significantly accelerate the Government’s road rehabilitation programme throughout Antigua and Barbuda. The Financial Secretary reported that all necessary financing mechanisms are advancing, with disbursement of the CDB loan expected within days once the remaining contractual requirements have been completed.

The Ministry of Works informed Cabinet that preparatory work is well underway to ensure the timely execution of the projects under both financing arrangements. Cabinet emphasized that every effort must be made to expedite implementation so that communities across the country can benefit from improved road infrastructure as quickly as possible.

Special attention was given to the Government’s road improvement programme in Barbuda. Cabinet was informed that work on the Two Mile Road from the airport to River Dock will commence shortly and is expected to be completed within eight weeks. To ensure transparency, accountability and adherence to the highest engineering standards, the Government has appointed an independent project monitor to oversee the execution of the works.

Cabinet further noted that a contractor with an established presence and proven operational capacity in Barbuda and Antigua has been selected to undertake the project. This approach is expected to facilitate the efficient mobilization of equipment and personnel, allowing work to proceed without unnecessary delays.

In addition to the Two Mile Road, Cabinet was advised that several other roads in Barbuda have been identified for rehabilitation under the broader infrastructure programme. These improvements are intended to enhance transportation, improve access for residents and businesses, and support the island’s continued economic and social development.

Cabinet reaffirmed its commitment to modernizing the nation’s road network and ensuring that the resources secured through the EC$100 million bond programme and the US$33 million Caribbean Development Bank loan are utilized efficiently and responsibly. Minister Maria Browne noted that the investments represent one of the most significant road infrastructure initiatives undertaken in recent years and will improve connectivity, strengthen resilience and contribute to sustained national development.

The Government remains committed to keeping the public informed as implementation progresses and as additional road projects are mobilized across Antigua and Barbuda.

4.

Cabinet Reviews Policy Proposal to Establish Spanish as Antigua and Barbuda’s Official Second Language

The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has received and commenced its review of a comprehensive Ministerial Policy Brief and Education Sector Implementation Plan (2026–2030) presented by the Minister for Education, Sports and Creative Industries, the Hon. Daryll Matthew, outlining a proposed framework for the phased implementation of Spanish as the country’s second language.

The policy submission, prepared by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, sets out a strategic roadmap designed to strengthen language education, improve national competitiveness, expand regional and international engagement, and better equip students with the linguistic skills necessary to thrive in an increasingly interconnected Caribbean and global economy.

During the presentation, Cabinet was informed that the proposal does not seek an immediate nationwide implementation. Rather, it recommends a carefully managed, three-year phased approach that builds upon the country’s existing Spanish-language programme while addressing current gaps in teacher capacity, curriculum development, instructional resources and school readiness.

The policy notes that Spanish is already taught in Antigua and Barbuda’s schools and that the objective is to transform existing programmes into a coherent, equitable and sustainable national language initiative.

Cabinet was advised that the Ministry has identified several priority actions before full implementation can commence. These include the completion of a national staffing and deployment plan, verification of school readiness, curriculum finalisation, the establishment of instructional standards, and the preparation of the necessary resource and financing proposals.

Among the recommendations contained within the policy are:

•⁠ ⁠the adoption of a three-year phased implementation programme based on school readiness and student cohort progression;

•⁠ ⁠the strengthening of existing Spanish instruction while preserving and protecting French within the national Modern Languages Programme;

•⁠ ⁠the preparation of a national staffing proposal to address the need for additional Spanish teachers at both the primary and secondary levels;

•⁠ ⁠completion of a revised national curriculum aligned with internationally recognised language proficiency standards;

•⁠ ⁠the pursuit of technical cooperation with countries such as Spain and the Dominican Republic, together with other international partners, to support teacher development, curriculum enhancement and programme implementation.

Cabinet also noted that the Ministry’s assessment identified existing disparities in access to Spanish instruction among schools and recognised that any expansion of the programme must be supported by adequate teacher recruitment, professional development, curriculum materials and classroom resources to ensure meaningful language acquisition rather than merely expanding timetable coverage.

Following extensive discussion, Cabinet agreed that the proposal represents a significant national education initiative that warrants careful consideration. Ministers therefore resolved to examine the policy brief in greater detail before making final determinations on the recommendations and implementation framework.

Cabinet recognised that the proposal has important implications for the education system, workforce development, regional integration and the country’s long-term social and economic advancement. Ministers will continue their deliberations with the objective of ensuring that any future implementation is practical, adequately resourced and capable of delivering measurable educational benefits for students throughout Antigua and Barbuda.

The Cabinet reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the quality of education and ensuring that major policy reforms are implemented in a deliberate, evidence-based and fiscally responsible manner.

5.

Cabinet Approves Official Delegation to Attend State Funeral of Sir Garfield Sobers

The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has approved an official delegation to represent the Government and people of Antigua and Barbuda at the State Funeral of Caribbean cricket icon Sir Garfield Sobers in Barbados next week.

The delegation will comprise the Hon. Dwayne George, Minister responsible for Sports; National Hero and former cricketer Sir Vivian Richards; Sir Curtly Ambrose; Sir Anderson “Andy” Roberts; and Sir Richie Richardson. Together, they will pay the nation’s final respects to one of the greatest cricketers the world has ever known and a towering figure in Caribbean history.

Cabinet noted that the delegation reflects the deep admiration and respect that Antigua and Barbuda holds for Sir Garfield Sobers, whose remarkable achievements transcended the game of cricket and inspired generations of Caribbean people.

The Cabinet also recalled that Prime Minister the Hon. Gaston Browne recently led national tributes following the passing of Sir Garfield, describing him as a sporting giant whose extraordinary talent, humility and commitment to excellence elevated Caribbean cricket to the highest international stage. The Prime Minister noted that Sir Garfield’s accomplishments brought immense pride not only to Barbados but to the entire Caribbean region, and that his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of athletes.

As a further mark of national mourning and respect, Cabinet noted that all flags on public buildings throughout Antigua and Barbuda are being flown at half-mast in honour of the late Sir Garfield Sobers.

Cabinet extends its sincere condolences to the Government and people of Barbados, to Sir Garfield’s family and loved ones, and to the wider Caribbean cricket fraternity. Antigua and Barbuda joins the region in celebrating the life, legacy and unparalleled contribution of a true Caribbean legend whose impact on sport and regional identity will endure for generations to come.

The State Funeral for the Barbadian National Hero and cricket legend Sir Garfield Sobers will be held on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados. Following the service, the interment will take place at the Coral Ridge Memorial Gardens in Christ Church.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: CABINET NOTES: WEDNESDAY 22nd July 2026.