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<title>Prime Minister Gaston Browne Arrives in Belém, Brazil for COP30, Urges Immediate Climate Action to Protect Small Island Developing States</title>
<link>https://embassy.ag/dario-item-antigua-barbuda-prime-minister-gaston-browne-arrives-in-belem-brazil-for-cop30-urges-immediate-climate-action-to-protect-small-island-developing-states/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Editorial Staff]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Fri, 07 Nov 2025 07:20:46 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[General News]]></category>
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<description><![CDATA[La entrada <a href="https://embassy.ag/dario-item-antigua-barbuda-prime-minister-gaston-browne-arrives-in-belem-brazil-for-cop30-urges-immediate-climate-action-to-protect-small-island-developing-states/">Prime Minister Gaston Browne Arrives in Belém, Brazil for COP30, Urges Immediate Climate Action to Protect Small Island Developing States</a> se publicó primero en <a href="https://embassy.ag">Antigua and Barbuda Embassy in Madrid - Ambassador Dario Item</a>.
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<div class="et_pb_text_inner">Belém, Brazil – 7th November 2025…..Prime Minister the Honourable Gaston Browne has arrived in Belém, Brazil to participate in the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Upon arrival, Prime Minister Browne held high-level discussions with global and regional leaders, including Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO); President Irfaan Ali of Guyana; and senior Ministers from Venezuela. The talks focused on advancing climate resilience, sustainable development, and global health security amid the challenges of a rapidly changing climate.
He is accompanied by a delegation that includes H.E. Ruleta Camacho-Thomas, Ambassador for Climate Change, and Diann Black-Layne, Director of the Department of Environment.
Speaking at the COP30 Plenary Session, Prime Minister Browne issued a powerful call for honesty, courage, and urgent action to confront the escalating climate crisis, particularly for Small Island Developing States (SIDS), which face existential threats.
“For Small Island States, the climate crisis is not past or future tense — it is our lived reality,” Prime Minister Browne said. “Antigua and Barbuda comes to Belém with one fundamental message: 1.5°C is our lifeline. We cannot and will not surrender 1.5°C.”
He stressed the urgent need for equitable climate finance, stronger global accountability, and accelerated emissions reductions, emphasizing that climate finance is not charity — it is climate justice. Major polluting nations must lead in repairing the damage their emissions have caused.
The Prime Minister’s address comes in the wake of devastating climate events in the region, including Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica, highlighting the immediate impacts of global warming on vulnerable nations. He reaffirmed Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to resilience, adaptation, and the principles of Loss and Damage as essential mechanisms for recovery and justice.
“We must stand together to halt this ecocide — to restore balance and build economies that serve humanity, not just profit,” Prime Minister Browne stated. “This COP — the COP of Truth — must deliver more than promises. The world has the knowledge, technology, and financial resources to act. What we need now is the political and moral will to match the urgency of this moment.”
Prime Minister Browne also praised Brazil for hosting COP30 in the heart of the Amazon, “the lungs of the Earth,” and for launching the Tropical Forest Forever Facility, describing it as “a bold symbol of global solidarity.”
Antigua and Barbuda stands ready to join global efforts to protect the planet, “not as a victim, but as a voice of resilience and hope,” he concluded.</div>
</div>
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La entrada <a href="https://embassy.ag/dario-item-antigua-barbuda-prime-minister-gaston-browne-arrives-in-belem-brazil-for-cop30-urges-immediate-climate-action-to-protect-small-island-developing-states/">Prime Minister Gaston Browne Arrives in Belém, Brazil for COP30, Urges Immediate Climate Action to Protect Small Island Developing States</a> se publicó primero en <a href="https://embassy.ag">Antigua and Barbuda Embassy in Madrid - Ambassador Dario Item</a>.
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<item>
<title>Report from the Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda – Meeting of Wednesday, 5th November 2025</title>
<link>https://embassy.ag/dario-item-antigua-barbuda-report-from-the-cabinet-of-antigua-and-barbuda-meeting-of-wednesday-5th-november-2025/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Editorial Staff]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Fri, 07 Nov 2025 07:10:59 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[General News]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://embassy.ag/?p=28036</guid>
<description><![CDATA[La entrada <a href="https://embassy.ag/dario-item-antigua-barbuda-report-from-the-cabinet-of-antigua-and-barbuda-meeting-of-wednesday-5th-november-2025/">Report from the Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda – Meeting of Wednesday, 5th November 2025</a> se publicó primero en <a href="https://embassy.ag">Antigua and Barbuda Embassy in Madrid - Ambassador Dario Item</a>.
]]></description>
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<div class="et_pb_text_inner">The prayers before Cabinet were led by a Pastor from the Evangelical Association who read from 
Isaiah 40:28–31 (King James Version): 28 Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. 29 He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. 30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: 31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
It’s one of the most uplifting passages in Isaiah — reminding us that God’s strength never fails, and that those who trust in Him will find renewed energy, endurance, and hope. The Pastor, calling each Cabinet Member by name, prayed for them and their families and ask for God’s Guidance in their execution of their various duties in their Ministries.
1. The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda, chaired by Acting Prime Minister the Hon. Sir Steadroy Benjamin in the absence of Prime Minister the Hon. Gaston Browne—who is currently in Brazil attending the Conference of the Parties (COP30)—convened its regular meeting this week.
The meeting opened with Members extending high commendation to the Minister for Festivals, the Hon. Daryll Matthew, and his team for the outstanding execution of the 44th Independence Anniversary celebrations. The Cabinet also praised the nation’s youth for their remarkable participation in the Youth Rally and the Junior Panorama Competition.
Particular recognition was given to the success of the Junior Panorama Competition, with Members noting its excellent organization and vibrant performances. The Cabinet discussed the possibility of using the Junior Panorama as a model for enhancing the Senior Panorama during Carnival. One proposal under consideration is to host the Senior Panorama at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, utilizing a similar two-stage format. Further discussions on this initiative will continue.
The Cabinet also extended congratulations to all participants in the Independence activities and to the winners across the various events.
Her Excellency the Rt. Hon. Shirley Botchwey, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, who attended the Ceremonial Parade and National Awards, also expressed high praise for the organizers of the event. In a meeting with Acting Prime Minister Sir Steadroy Benjamin, the Secretary-General conveyed her admiration for Prime Minister Gaston Browne, acknowledging his early and steadfast support for her candidacy as Commonwealth Secretary-General. She commended his leadership and his strong advocacy on behalf of Small Island Developing States in the international arena.
Secretary-General Botchwey expressed confidence that Antigua and Barbuda will be fully prepared to host thousands of delegates and guests when the nation welcomes the Commonwealth family for the 2026 Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in November 2026. 
2. Last week, the Cabinet received an update on the status of Antigua and Barbuda students pursuing studies in Jamaica and the Republic of Cuba, two countries that were affected by the passage of Hurricane Melissa.
The Government secured 53 Antigua and Barbuda students in the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel for a period of seven days. The students have since returned to their various universities, with some resuming their studies, while others are participating in the recovery of their various institutions.
This week, the Cabinet was informed of letters from the Antigua and Barbuda Student Association of Jamaica, expressing Gratitude to the Honourable Prime Minister Gaston Browne and officials within his Office for the support given them during the passage of Hurricane Melissa.
During the passage of Hurricane Melissa, students from Antigua and Barbuda studying in Jamaica were affected by adverse weather conditions that posed risks to their safety and wellbeing. In response, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, through the Office of the Prime Minister and the coordinated assistance for the students, including temporary accommodation arrangements at the Pegasus Hotel and other logistical support.
In letters addressed to the Prime Minister, the Hon. Gaston Browne, and Mr. Maurice Merchant, Director-General of Communications, Ms. Jewel Moore extended the Association’s profound gratitude for the swift and thoughtful response of the Government during the emergency.
The correspondence highlights the government’s role in ensuring the safety and comfort of students abroad, particularly through the coordination of accommodation and potential evacuation plans via LIAT20
The Association commended the government’s compassion and commitment to the welfare of students studying overseas, describing it as a reflection of the nation’s values and dedication to the youth of Antigua and Barbuda.
The letters also noted that these actions not only safeguarded the students physically but strengthened their sense of pride and connection to their homeland.
The Cabinet took note Cabinet of the letters of appreciation received from the Antigua and Barbuda Student Association Jamaica; and extended commendations to Prime Minister Gaston Browne for his quick action and all officials who participated in coordinating the government’s response to ensure the welfare and safety of Antiguan and Barbudan students abroad during Hurricane Melissa. 
3. The Cabinet received the Crime Statistics Breakdown Report, Firearm and Ammunition Arrest Report, and Statistics Unit Report for October 2025 from the Criminal Record Office. The reports provide comparative data with 2024, identifying trends in major offences and reporting challenges within the statistics system.
⁠Key Findings
A. General Crime Trends (Jan–Oct 2024 vs Jan–Oct 2025)
 • Overall crime decreased by 10.3%, with total reported offences falling from 3,034 in 2024 to 2,720 in 2025.
Major reductions were recorded in among others:
 • Breaking and Larceny: ↓ 66 cases (-9%)
 • Burglary: ↓ 24 cases (-27%)
 • Robbery: ↓ 13 cases (-12%)
 • Larceny: ↓ 55 cases (-6%)
 • Malicious Damage: ↓ 79 cases (-19%)
 Increases were observed in among others:
 • Indecent Assault: ↑ 7 cases (+50%)
 • Aggravated Robbery: ↑ 16 cases (+57%)
 • Sacrilege: ↑ 10 cases (+59%)
 • Murder remained stable at 10. One less than 2024 cases
B. Firearm and Ammunition Arrests (Jan–Oct 2025)
 • A total of 44 individuals were arrested for firearm-related offences.
 • Males: 37
 • Females: 4
 • Juveniles: 3
 • 25 firearms were seized, including:
 • 6 modified flare guns
 • 2 modified nail guns
 • 2 rifles
 • 1 imitation firearm
 • Ammunition recovered: 290 rounds.
 • Convictions: 17 individuals were convicted for firearm or ammunition possession.
 • The data indicate continued firearm circulation, though enforcement remains active
C.⁠ ⁠Observations
 1. The downward trend in total crimes suggests effective policing strategies, particularly against property crimes.
 2. Firearm possession and modification of weapons (e.g., flare and nail guns) continue to pose a security risk.
Among some of the Recommendations supported by the Cabinet are:
 .• Targeted Policing Initiatives:
 • Expand firearm tracing and intelligence operations to reduce illicit weapon entry.
 • Increase public awareness on illegal firearm possession penalties.
 •. Community and Victim Support:
 •. Inter-Agency Coordination:
 • Facilitate improved collaboration between the Police, Customs, and Coast Guard to intercept illegal firearm shipments. 
4. Cabinet noted the receipt of a letter by the Cabinet Secretary from the Leader of the Opposition on the matter of unauthorized government transactions regarding motor vehicles. A response is forthcoming.
5. The Cabinet received and considered a Proposal for the Establishment of a Long and Exemplary Public Service Award from His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams.
The proposal for the creation of a Long and Exemplary Public Service Medal, approved by His Majesty The King, is to recognize public officers who have demonstrated faithful and meritorious service to the Government and people of Antigua and Barbuda.
The proposed award seeks to honour public servants with at least twenty-five (25) years of unblemished service and whose performance has been exemplary.
The Office of the Governor General has also provided a draft outline detailing the objectives, award criteria, eligibility, nomination and selection process, and categories of recognition.
The proposal suggests three levels of distinction — Gold, Silver, and Certificate of Merit — with nominations to be made by the Prime Minister, Ministers, or the Cabinet and submitted to Government House for consideration by a selection committee.
The Governor General further recommends that a small number of medals be awarded annually, with presentations taking place at Government House.
The Cabinet acknowledges that the proposal for the introduction of the Long and Exemplary Public Service Award is under review by the relevant authorities, with a report to be submitted to Cabinet in due course. Consultations are ongoing to review the framework, eligibility criteria, and administrative processes outlined by the Office of the Governor General.</div>
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La entrada <a href="https://embassy.ag/dario-item-antigua-barbuda-report-from-the-cabinet-of-antigua-and-barbuda-meeting-of-wednesday-5th-november-2025/">Report from the Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda – Meeting of Wednesday, 5th November 2025</a> se publicó primero en <a href="https://embassy.ag">Antigua and Barbuda Embassy in Madrid - Ambassador Dario Item</a>.
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<item>
<title>Prime Minister Browne Launches Countdown to Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2026</title>
<link>https://embassy.ag/dario-item-antigua-barbuda-prime-minister-browne-launches-countdown-to-commonwealth-heads-of-government-meeting-2026/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Editorial Staff]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Wed, 05 Nov 2025 11:02:47 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[General News]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://embassy.ag/?p=28007</guid>
<description><![CDATA[La entrada <a href="https://embassy.ag/dario-item-antigua-barbuda-prime-minister-browne-launches-countdown-to-commonwealth-heads-of-government-meeting-2026/">Prime Minister Browne Launches Countdown to Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2026</a> se publicó primero en <a href="https://embassy.ag">Antigua and Barbuda Embassy in Madrid - Ambassador Dario Item</a>.
]]></description>
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<div class="et_pb_text_inner">St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda – November 5, 2025 — The Government of Antigua and Barbuda officially launched preparations for the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) at a vibrant ceremony at the Sandals Grande Resort on Tuesday. The event featured addresses by the Honourable Prime Minister Gaston Browne and the Honourable Shirley Botchwey, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth.
Prime Minister Browne expressed national pride in hosting the gathering: “All of Antigua and Barbuda is proud that our tiny island nation will, one year from today, welcome the Commonwealth family to our shores for the 28th Heads of Government Meeting.”
He underscored the significance of the meeting, drawing inspiration from local and Commonwealth icons:
“Just as Sir Vivian Richards inspired generations of cricketers across the Commonwealth, Antigua and Barbuda will inspire the family of nations toward a new era of cooperation and shared prosperity.”
Prime Minister Browne reaffirmed his government’s commitment to resilient economic growth and global engagement:
“Our country’s economy is among the fastest-growing in the Caribbean, yet our progress owes little to the global financial system and even less to the global effort to curb climate change. Real progress happens when we work together… Our goal is resilient prosperity for all 2.7 billion citizens of the Commonwealth.”
He also highlighted inclusion and equity as central to Antigua and Barbuda’s approach: “In our Antigua and Barbuda, we wanted no one to be unseen, no one to be unheard, no one to be unprotected, and no one to be left behind.”
Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey reflected on the global importance of CHOGM 2026, noting its role in shaping a united, forward-looking Commonwealth:
“As we launch the road to the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, we begin a journey that will carry us to one of the most important gatherings in our Commonwealth’s modern history. This summit will not merely discuss challenges—it will shape our shared future.”
She highlighted key priorities for the upcoming meeting, including democracy, trade and investment, climate action, and inclusive opportunity:
“The road to CHOGM will focus on high-impact investments, building deeper trade partnerships, mobilizing climate finance, advancing renewable energy, and expanding opportunity for women, youth, and communities everywhere.”
Botchwey emphasized Antigua and Barbuda’s pivotal role as host:
“We could have no better host for that vision than this extraordinary country, a small island state with a large spirit, a champion of climate resilience and sustainable development, and a steadfast voice for fairness, dignity, and global partnership.”
The launch marked the beginning of a comprehensive national mobilisation, with the Government pledging active involvement from public, private, and community sectors to ensure a CHOGM that delivers both inspiration and tangible outcomes.
Prime Minister Browne concluded:
“This is our opportunity to showcase the very best of Antigua and Barbuda and, through unity and partnership, advance a Commonwealth of practical cooperation, resilience, and shared prosperity.”</div>
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La entrada <a href="https://embassy.ag/dario-item-antigua-barbuda-prime-minister-browne-launches-countdown-to-commonwealth-heads-of-government-meeting-2026/">Prime Minister Browne Launches Countdown to Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting 2026</a> se publicó primero en <a href="https://embassy.ag">Antigua and Barbuda Embassy in Madrid - Ambassador Dario Item</a>.
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<title>Prime Minister Gaston Browne Leads Antigua and Barbuda Delegation to COP30 in Brazil</title>
<link>https://embassy.ag/dario-item-antigua-barbuda-prime-minister-gaston-browne-leads-antigua-and-barbuda-delegation-to-cop30-in-brazil/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Editorial Staff]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Wed, 05 Nov 2025 10:59:28 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[General News]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://embassy.ag/?p=27996</guid>
<description><![CDATA[La entrada <a href="https://embassy.ag/dario-item-antigua-barbuda-prime-minister-gaston-browne-leads-antigua-and-barbuda-delegation-to-cop30-in-brazil/">Prime Minister Gaston Browne Leads Antigua and Barbuda Delegation to COP30 in Brazil</a> se publicó primero en <a href="https://embassy.ag">Antigua and Barbuda Embassy in Madrid - Ambassador Dario Item</a>.
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<div class="et_pb_text_inner">ST. JOHN’S, Antigua and Barbuda – 4th November 2025 — The Honourable Gaston A. Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, is leading his country’s delegation to the Thirtieth Conference of the Parties (COP30) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, being held in Belém, Brazil, November 6–7, 2025.
The Antigua and Barbuda delegation includes:
<ul>
<li>The Honourable E. P. Chet Greene, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Immigration & Trade — Deputy Head of Delegation</li>
<li>The Honourable Sir Molwyn Joseph, Minister for Health, Wellness & the Environment — Deputy Head of Delegation
The delegation also comprises senior officials from the Ministry of the Environment, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Department of Sustainable Development, along with technical experts on climate finance, energy transition, and ocean governance.
Prime Minister Browne is scheduled to participate in the Opening Plenary of Leaders and to deliver Antigua and Barbuda’s national statement on the morning of Friday, November 7. He will also take part in two thematic sessions chaired by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil:</li>
<li>“Climate and Nature: Forests and Oceans” on November 6, and;</li>
<li>“10 Years of the Paris Agreement: NDCs and Financing” on November 7.
During COP30, world leaders will launch the Tropical Forest Forever Facility (TFFF), a new blended-finance mechanism aimed at making tropical forests “worth more standing than destroyed.” Antigua and Barbuda has signalled its intent to endorse the TFFF Launch Declaration and to advocate for fair access by Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to the Facility’s resources.
Prime Minister Browne stated ahead of departure from the V. C. Bird International Airport on Tuesday:
“Antigua and Barbuda will continue to punch above its weight in global climate diplomacy. Our participation at COP30 is about defending our right to exist and securing financing for resilience and adaptation for all small island nations.”
While in Belém, the Prime Minister will attend the Leaders’ Luncheon launching the TFFF, engage in bilateral meetings with Caribbean and international partners, and participate in discussions on climate financing, blue economy opportunities, and the energy transition.
The delegation’s work aligns with Antigua and Barbuda’s role as a leading voice for SIDS, following its hosting of the 2024 UN SIDS4 Conference and ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in St. John’s.</li>
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La entrada <a href="https://embassy.ag/dario-item-antigua-barbuda-prime-minister-gaston-browne-leads-antigua-and-barbuda-delegation-to-cop30-in-brazil/">Prime Minister Gaston Browne Leads Antigua and Barbuda Delegation to COP30 in Brazil</a> se publicó primero en <a href="https://embassy.ag">Antigua and Barbuda Embassy in Madrid - Ambassador Dario Item</a>.
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<title>PM Browne Unveils Major Investments in Health, Education and Housing</title>
<link>https://embassy.ag/dario-item-antigua-barbuda-pm-browne-unveils-major-investments-in-health-education-and-housing/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Editorial Staff]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 03 Nov 2025 09:50:08 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[General News]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://embassy.ag/?p=27979</guid>
<description><![CDATA[La entrada <a href="https://embassy.ag/dario-item-antigua-barbuda-pm-browne-unveils-major-investments-in-health-education-and-housing/">PM Browne Unveils Major Investments in Health, Education and Housing</a> se publicó primero en <a href="https://embassy.ag">Antigua and Barbuda Embassy in Madrid - Ambassador Dario Item</a>.
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<div class="et_pb_text_inner">PM Browne Unveils Major Investments in Health, Education and Housing
New renal centre, mental-health facility and tertiary-education expansion headline people-centred development agenda.
ST. JOHN’S, Antigua and Barbuda (Nov 1 2025) — Prime Minister Gaston Browne affirmed that the government’s core strategy is “investing in people” — a foundation for sustainable national development.
Among the key initiatives announced in the 2025 Independence Address are:
<ul>
<li>A state-of-the-art renal centre offering dialysis and transplant services;</li>
<li>Conversion of the former Jehovah’s Witness headquarters into a multi-million-dollar mental-health facility;</li>
<li>A US $200 million expansion of the University of the West Indies (Five Islands) campus, with new dorms, labs and research facilities.</li>
</ul>
In previous addresses, Browne emphasized that “the overall objective is to attain and sustain GDP growth over the next five years of at least 6 %, which is inclusive, generates jobs, and reduces vulnerability and poverty.” 
He added: “Every classroom we open, every home we build, every patient we heal — that is independence in action.”
This latest investment wave follows his assurance that the private sector would be mobilised to deliver thousands of new jobs through resort construction and infrastructure expansion.</div>
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La entrada <a href="https://embassy.ag/dario-item-antigua-barbuda-pm-browne-unveils-major-investments-in-health-education-and-housing/">PM Browne Unveils Major Investments in Health, Education and Housing</a> se publicó primero en <a href="https://embassy.ag">Antigua and Barbuda Embassy in Madrid - Ambassador Dario Item</a>.
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<title>Prime Minister highlights record growth, stable fiscal management and booming tourism in Independence Day address</title>
<link>https://embassy.ag/dario-item-antigua-barbuda-prime-minister-highlights-record-growth-stable-fiscal-management-and-booming-tourism-in-independence-day-address/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Editorial Staff]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 03 Nov 2025 09:44:45 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[General News]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://embassy.ag/?p=27968</guid>
<description><![CDATA[La entrada <a href="https://embassy.ag/dario-item-antigua-barbuda-prime-minister-highlights-record-growth-stable-fiscal-management-and-booming-tourism-in-independence-day-address/">Prime Minister highlights record growth, stable fiscal management and booming tourism in Independence Day address</a> se publicó primero en <a href="https://embassy.ag">Antigua and Barbuda Embassy in Madrid - Ambassador Dario Item</a>.
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<div class="et_pb_text_inner">Prime Minister highlights record growth, stable fiscal management and booming tourism in Independence Day address.
“Antigua and Barbuda’s Economy Strongest in the Caribbean”
ST. JOHN’S, Antigua (Nov 1 2025) — In his national address marking 44 years of independence, Prime Minister Gaston Browne declared that Antigua and Barbuda’s economy continues to lead the region in recovery and growth.
“Our per-capita income now exceeds US $60,000 — the highest in the OECS and among the highest in CARICOM,” stated Browne, reinforcing remarks he made earlier in the year.
He referenced over US $1 billion in private-sector investment during his government’s tenure and reiterated that “the private sector has retained this confidence … by further investment” as noted in his New Year’s Day address.
Key growth drivers identified include tourism, construction, digital enterprise and agriculture. Earlier this year, Prime Minister Browne welcomed the fact that Antigua and Barbuda is advancing towards membership of the Latin American and Caribbean Development Bank (CAF), noting: “We are certainly very happy to become an official shareholder of the Bank… this will be a very fruitful relationship to help us build capacity.”
He concluded: “This progress is not abstract; it means bread on the table, jobs for our youth, and security for families.”</div>
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La entrada <a href="https://embassy.ag/dario-item-antigua-barbuda-prime-minister-highlights-record-growth-stable-fiscal-management-and-booming-tourism-in-independence-day-address/">Prime Minister highlights record growth, stable fiscal management and booming tourism in Independence Day address</a> se publicó primero en <a href="https://embassy.ag">Antigua and Barbuda Embassy in Madrid - Ambassador Dario Item</a>.
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<title>PM Browne Hails 44 Years of Independence: “A Nation Built on Resilience and Shared Prosperity”</title>
<link>https://embassy.ag/dario-item-antigua-barbuda-pm-browne-hails-44-years-of-independence-a-nation-built-on-resilience-and-shared-prosperity/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Editorial Staff]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 03 Nov 2025 09:43:01 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[General News]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://embassy.ag/?p=27964</guid>
<description><![CDATA[La entrada <a href="https://embassy.ag/dario-item-antigua-barbuda-pm-browne-hails-44-years-of-independence-a-nation-built-on-resilience-and-shared-prosperity/">PM Browne Hails 44 Years of Independence: “A Nation Built on Resilience and Shared Prosperity”</a> se publicó primero en <a href="https://embassy.ag">Antigua and Barbuda Embassy in Madrid - Ambassador Dario Item</a>.
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<div class="et_pb_text_inner">T. JOHN’S, Antigua (Nov 1 2025) — In his 44th Independence Day address to the nation, Prime Minister Gaston A. Browne underscored the twin pillars of resilience and shared prosperity that have guided Antigua and Barbuda since 1981.
“We have turned adversity into achievement,” said PM Browne. “Forty-four years of freedom have proven that when Antiguans and Barbudans work together, we can turn resilience into prosperity.”
He cited recent economic milestones alongside expanded investment in social sectors, and pointed to the country’s increasing recognition on the global stage. Noting that “our per-capita income now exceeds US $60,000”.
Prime Minister Browne also invoked the national duty of citizenship: “Independence is not just a right we won — it is a duty we must uphold.”
The Prime Minister concluded his remarks with a call for unity, discipline and shared purpose as the nation moves into its next chapter.</div>
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La entrada <a href="https://embassy.ag/dario-item-antigua-barbuda-pm-browne-hails-44-years-of-independence-a-nation-built-on-resilience-and-shared-prosperity/">PM Browne Hails 44 Years of Independence: “A Nation Built on Resilience and Shared Prosperity”</a> se publicó primero en <a href="https://embassy.ag">Antigua and Barbuda Embassy in Madrid - Ambassador Dario Item</a>.
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<title>PM Gaston Browne – 44th Anniversary of Independence Message</title>
<link>https://embassy.ag/dario-item-antigua-barbuda-pm-gaston-browne-44th-anniversary-of-independence-message/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Editorial Staff]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 03 Nov 2025 09:31:47 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[General News]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://embassy.ag/?p=27915</guid>
<description><![CDATA[La entrada <a href="https://embassy.ag/dario-item-antigua-barbuda-pm-gaston-browne-44th-anniversary-of-independence-message/">PM Gaston Browne – 44th Anniversary of Independence Message</a> se publicó primero en <a href="https://embassy.ag">Antigua and Barbuda Embassy in Madrid - Ambassador Dario Item</a>.
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<div class="et_pb_text_inner">Broadcast Address to the Nation
By The Honourable Gaston A. Browne, M.P.  Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda  On the Occasion of the 44th Anniversary of Independence  November 1, 2025
My fellow citizens and residents of Antigua and Barbuda,
Today, as we stand on the firm foundation of our 44th year of nationhood, we give thanks for the grace of God, for the perseverance of our people, and for the enduring flame of patriotism, that has carried this nation forward from struggle to strength.
Forty-four years ago, the Champions of our independence raised the flag of a new and sovereign nation.
They did so with faith, that their children would walk taller, dream bolder, and live freer than they did.
We are the beneficiaries of that faith, and today we honour it; not with ceremony alone, but with the substance of achievement.
A Nation of Steady Growth and Shared Prosperity
My friends, this has been another successful year for Antigua and Barbuda.
Our country’s economy continues to expand, consolidating one of the strongest recovery records in the Caribbean.
Employment has reached a historic high of 47,000 people – up from 37,000 a decade ago. AND our per-capita income now exceeds sixty thousand dollars — the highest in the OECS and among the highest in the entire CARICOM region.
Over the past eleven years, our administration has virtually doubled the size of this economy, creating greater opportunities, higher living standards, and renewed confidence in the future.
Every major sector – tourism, construction, services, agriculture, and digital enterprise – continues to expand.
Our fiscal accounts are stable, our credit standing improving, and investor confidence is strong.
We have done this not by accident, but by vision, partnership, and hard work.
And growth has become a shared national triumph; because we kept faith with you – the people who turn the wheels of this economy every day.
This progress is not abstract; it is personal to all of us. 
It means bread on the table, jobs for our youth, security for families, and confidence in tomorrow. 
It is the living proof that when Antiguans and Barbudans work together, we can turn resilience into prosperity.
Investing in Our People
Fellow Citizens, economic progress means little unless it improves lives.
That is why we have made the well-being of our people the cornerstone of every policy, and have invested heavily in our people. 
Health and Human Development
Our investments in health care are saving lives and brightening our future.
The new Renal Centre, now nearing completion, will bring expanded dialysis capacity and facilities for routine kidney transplants and other specialized renal care.
It will be a centre of excellence, accessible and equipped to global standards.
Across our country; community clinics have been rebuilt and modernized — in Liberta, Falmouth, Bolans, among others. Work on expanding the All Saints Clinic will commence shortly. 
Each of these facilities represents our belief that healthcare is a right, not a privilege.
In a further act of compassion and progress, we have acquired the former Jehovah’s Witness headquarters, valued at approximately $12M. This facility will be converted into a modern Mental Health Facility.
The centre will be fully retrofitted, expanded, equipped and adequately staffed, creating a humane and dignified environment for those among us living with mental-health conditions.
Our goal is to integrate every citizen into productive and fulfilling lives.
No one in our society should be ostracized or cast out.
These investments in healthcare are investments in the human spirit and human development. 
They affirm that every life has worth, that every illness deserves care, and that in Antigua and Barbuda, compassion is as important as cure.
Education for the New Generation
Our investment in education per capita, remains among the highest of all small island states, because we know that the surest path to maintaining freedom is knowledge.
Early next year, we will break ground on the two-hundred-million-dollar expansion of the University of the West Indies, Five Islands Campus.
This transformative project will include new student dormitories, lecture theatres, laboratories, and research spaces. 
This will be a campus that will stand shoulder to shoulder with any in the region.
We are building a university worthy of the ambition of our youth.
We have also consolidated our post-secondary institutions under one umbrella — the Antigua and Barbuda College of Advanced Studies (ABCAS).
Each school within this college will benefit from upgraded curricula and internationally accredited faculty.
Our objective is clear: within the next twenty years, at least fifty percent of our population will hold either an academic degree, or a national skills certificate.
That is an achievement we could not have imagined before we won our independence from colonial rule.
We are also upgrading our primary and secondary schools and expanding early-childhood learning so that every child, from the earliest age, has a fair start in life.
Education is the passport to the future — and we are ensuring that every Antiguan and Barbudan holds it.
Every classroom we open, every young mind we empower, is a celebration of freedom itself. 
For knowledge is the truest inheritance of independence.
It makes us sovereign not only as a nation, but as individuals.
Housing and Social Empowerment
My brothers and sisters: every family deserves a safe, decent home.
Yet public-sector housing has slowed—largely because we lack enough skilled workers.
We are tackling this head-on, by contracting skilled tradespeople from abroad, to scale up construction and deliver homes faster.
But I appeal to our young men and women: seize the training on offer and claim these jobs.
With skills in hand, the next wave of homes can be built not partially, but exclusively by you—putting money in your pockets and your feet firmly on the ladder of security.
We are also continuing to rebuild and upgrade homes for the most vulnerable in our society under our Home Advancement Programme for the Poor and Indigent (HAPPI).
This is social justice in action, not rhetoric.
The Booby Alley Social Housing Project, funded by the People’s Republic of China, is well advanced.
It will deliver 150 two-bedroom condominium homes, primarily to the former residents, transforming one of the oldest communities in our capital, into a model of modern living.
This project stands as one of the most socially impactful undertakings in our history — a symbol of our compassion and commitment to empowerment.
A further 100 condominium homes will be constructed in Bolans & Barbuda. 
Private-sector home construction also remains strong, a sign of confidence in the economy and in the future.
More of our citizens are becoming homeowners, building security and generational wealth.
Each home we build is more than concrete and timber; it is a monument to dignity and belonging. 
It says to every Antiguan and Barbudan: you have a place, you have a stake, you have a future in our beautiful country.
Feeding Ourselves — Strengthening Food Security
We continue to reduce our dependence on imported food and to strengthen domestic agriculture.
Our government has invested millions in heavy equipment for the Ministry of Agriculture — to build feeder roads, ponds, and dams, and to clear and plough farmlands across the island.
Two new abattoirs — including a dedicated poultry processing facility — will be established, to support farmers and improve national food supply.
We have also purchased the former Ken’s Club property at Cassada Gardens for 9.3 million dollars. This property comprises over five acres of land and it will be converted into a retail and wholesale hub for the Central Marketing Corporation.
This facility will include cold storage and agro-processing facilities, allowing our farmers to preserve, package, and market their products more effectively.
CMC has been instructed to prioritise domestic purchasing, ensuring that local farmers always have a guaranteed market.
Our goal is clear and achievable: food sovereignty within this generation.
It is also to create entrepreneurial opportunities for young men and women — another avenue to earn, to grow, and to build an empowered future.
By feeding ourselves, we are feeding our pride and preserving our sovereignty.
We are proving that a small island can sustain itself by the strength of its people’s hands and the products of its own soil.
Infrastructure, Water, and Connectivity
Infrastructure is the backbone of development, and we have made unprecedented progress.
By the end of next month, an additional two million gallons of water per day, will be added to the national supply, bringing us closer than ever to resolving a problem that has plagued our people for generations.
We are determined to ensure that every household and every business enjoys reliable, clean, potable water.
Similarly, our road-rebuilding programme continues vigorously.
The major arteries have been restored, with the exception of the All Saints Road reconstruction, which will begin as soon as APUA completes the re-piping.
Dozens of community roads are being resurfaced nationwide — from Potters to Parham, Bolans to Bethesda — bringing real relief to residents.
At the same time, we are modernising our airports.
The VC Bird International Airport is being upgraded at a cost of one hundred and fifty million dollars, while the Barbuda Airport expansion will commence next year.
These projects secure our position as a premier destination and as a gateway to the Caribbean and the world.
Every road we pave, every pipe we lay, every watt of electricity we deliver — strengthens the modern nation we are building.
This is what independence looks like in motion: progress that reaches every home, every parish, every life. 
We are not waiting for others to validate us, or to build our future — we are building it ourselves.
Tourism and Economic Diversification
Tourism remains our main driver.
The 2025-2026 season is projected to be yet another record-breaking year — with one million cruise arrivals and about four hundred thousand stay-over visitors expected.
This will be yet another milestone in our history.
At the luxury end of the tourism market, Antigua and Barbuda continues to shine.
The Peace, Love and Happiness (PLH) Resort in Barbuda is now our flagship property, with over 350 rooms and a world-class Tom Fazio golf course completed to date.
So far, over one billion US dollars has been invested in this development.
The Robert De Niro Nobu Resort, construction is significantly advanced and the resort will open to guests by next October.
The Rosewood Hotel project will proceed in 2026 after relocation of the cargo port in Barbuda.
On Antigua, the Marriott Resort at Yeptons has started construction, and two more ultra-luxury properties — the One & Only at Half Moon Bay and Nikki Beach by Calvin Ayre — will begin in early 2026.
Tourism is evolving — moving upmarket, diversifying, and extending benefits across our economy.
More jobs, more training, and more business opportunities for our people, are the dividends of this progress.
We are showing the world that the people of a small state, through their creativity and hard-work, can deliver a destination of world-class proportions.
But it is important to note, that we are reducing our dependence on tourism, while continuing to bolster its contribution to our economy. 
We have already reduced tourism dependency from seventy percent a decade ago, to fifty-five percent today.
We are fulfilling our promise to diversify the economy.
Economic diversification is now a reality in motion.
Governance, Accountability, and Justice
Fellow Citizens, my administration remains unwavering in its commitment to clean, transparent, and accountable governance.
Our government’s entrenched policy – adopted and enforced by Cabinet – precludes me and anyone in my household, from engaging in any form of government contracting or procurement.
This is to remove any opportunity for theft, or abuse of public resources.
That safeguard exists precisely to ensure that the Office of the Prime Minister remains beyond reproach — and I have always respected it.
Recently, when irregularities were uncovered in unauthorised government transactions regarding motor vehicles, we acted immediately and decisively, without fear or favour. 
An analysis was commissioned through high officials of the Ministry of Finance; corrective measures were applied; and restitution to the Treasury was enforced. 
No favour was shown, no cover was given.
We are also tightening oversight across customs and procurement, to close every door to abuse including under-invoicing.
Let this be understood: my government will never defend wrongdoing; we will correct it – any repeat will be pursued criminally in a Court of Law.
When offences occur, penalties will be heavy — and the proceeds will go directly into the treasury, highlighted as “Monetary Restitution”, ensuring that anything taken from the public is returned to the public in an accountable and visible manner.
This is how accountability must work — swiftly, fairly, and in the public’s interest.
Corruption must never become a norm.
Good governance is not a slogan.
It is the standard by which a nation protects its integrity and earns the confidence of its people.
My administration, the Gaston Browne administration, belongs to the citizens of Antigua and Barbuda — not to privilege, not to partisanship, but to all, especially the working class.
Integrity remains the true currency of good governance and our national prosperity and we will continue to govern with integrity. 
A Clean and Beautiful Nation
My friends, the same discipline we demand in public finance, we must show in our public spaces.
Our vision is not only for a wealthy nation, but for a clean and beautiful one. Progress cannot coexist with neglect, disrespect and abuse of the environment.
That is why the National Solid Waste Management Authority was mandated to launch a vigorous island-wide clean-up campaign — to remove derelict cars, abandoned homes, and bulk waste from every community.
But this task cannot be left to government alone.
Every citizen, every resident, every visitor must take responsibility for their surroundings.
Let us restore the pride of place — in our villages, our streets, and our beaches.
Those who continue to dump garbage illegally will be prosecuted – and we will enforce it. 
This is a new era of cleanliness, environmental protection and beautification. 
Cleanliness is godliness; its patriotism in action and discipline made visible.
Let’s increase our ambition and resolve that Antigua and Barbuda will not only be prosperous, but also pristine — the cleanest small island state in the world.
The beauty of our land must be mirrored in the quality of our character.
When we keep our country clean, we honour ourselves and declare to the world, that Antigua and Barbuda takes pride in what we are and what you see.
Security and Social Order
My brothers and sisters, no nation can prosper amid chaos, confusion and violence. 
Thankfully, Antigua and Barbuda continues to record the lowest level of crime and violence in our region.
So far this year, there are nine homicides — two fewer than last year, but nine too many.
However, we will remain vigilant, recognizing that there were a recent spate of robberies necessitating a renewed focus.
Law enforcement will intensify their operations, supported by technology and intelligence.
We are determined to keep our communities safe and our streets secure.
To those who flirt with criminality, let me be clear: “Gun shot can’t run this town.” 
And let me remind you that Crime does not pay — and those who persist with crime and violence will surely pay the price.
On this our 44th Independence Day, I call upon our youth to put down their guns.
Again, to our youth – quick money sweet, but bitter in the end. 
So I call upon each of you to Level up; dream bigger, aim far – be a productive youth and invest in knowledge and skill and seize the numerous opportunities for employment and advancement. 
Distinguished country men and country women,
My government will remain relentless in ensuring that safety and justice prevail.
Our freedom endures because our society respects the rule of law, and frowns on those among us who do not. 
Security is not only the work of police officers — it is the responsibility of every citizen who chooses peace over violence and respect over lawlessness.
Global Leadership, National Pride
Fellow Citizens,
Our small nation continues to make a large impact on the global stage.
We are active and respected voices in the great debates of our time — on climate change, reparations, reform of the international system, including the global financial system, debt sustainability, mental health, and youth empowerment.
We have successfully hosted major international conferences and are preparing to welcome the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in November 2026 — the first time in our history, and the first time a microstate of under 100,000 people has been entrusted with such a role.
This follows the UN SIDS4 Conference in 2024 and the OAS General Assembly earlier this year — each represents a vote of confidence in our leadership and in our capacity to deliver.
Antigua and Barbuda now ranks #1 in the Caribbean on the United Nations Human Development Index.
This is an extraordinary achievement — proof that size does not determine significance, and that small states, when well governed, can be global models.
We are small, but substantial; modest in geography, but consequential in influence.
Our voice is heard and respected, because we stand on the principles of love, truth and justice and speak with principle, purpose and passion.
Our global standing is not a gift; it is the earned respect of a country that is determined to stand up for principle and for justice, not only for ourselves, but for all those who are threatened or disadvantaged.
A Call to Responsibility and Renewal
My brothers and sisters, we are blessed — but to be blessed carries responsibility.
As we celebrate this 44th anniversary, let us remember that independence is not only a right we sought; it is a duty we must uphold.
Let us care for our communities, respect the law, honour our elders, and guide our youth.
Let us reject the culture of idleness and entitlement; embrace the ethic of hard-work, and the principles of discipline, and excellence.
Parents — teach your children respect, discipline, responsibility and moral strength.
Young people — seize the opportunities before you.
Your government has provided the tools: UWI, ABCAS, YEEP, scholarships, and thousands of opportunities to train abroad.
Utilizing those tools rests in your hands.
We have come far, but we can go farther still.
Let us commit to building a nation that is prosperous, disciplined, and united — a nation that will never betray the sacrifices of those who raised our flag in 1981.
Forty-four years of freedom — of democracy, of human rights, of the rule of law — have not come without trials. 
We have endured hurricanes that destroyed; pandemics that tested, and global systems that often worked against us. 
Yet through every trial, Antigua and Barbuda has endured and advanced. 
We have turned adversity into experience and progress—to make our people property owners, to increase our people’s earnings and not to overtax them; to raise our nation’s standard of living, and to vow never to rest, while any in our society lives in poverty or distress. 
That is the meaning of our independence — not success for some, but progress for all.
Closing Reflection
My fellow citizens, this 44th anniversary is not only a celebration of our past but a summons to our future.
Let us march on in unity — disciplined, confident, and compassionate — knowing that no hurricane, no pandemic, no power on earth can still the heartbeat of a free and resilient people.
We are the masters of our destiny; the architects of a nation whose best days are yet to come.
May God continue to guide us, and may Antigua and Barbuda continue to soar to new heights, with stability and solid determination; proud and forever free.
Happy 44th Independence Day to all.</div>
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La entrada <a href="https://embassy.ag/dario-item-antigua-barbuda-pm-gaston-browne-44th-anniversary-of-independence-message/">PM Gaston Browne – 44th Anniversary of Independence Message</a> se publicó primero en <a href="https://embassy.ag">Antigua and Barbuda Embassy in Madrid - Ambassador Dario Item</a>.
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<title>Report from the Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda Meeting of Wednesday, 29th October 2025</title>
<link>https://embassy.ag/dario-item-antigua-barbuda-report-from-the-cabinet-of-antigua-and-barbuda-meeting-of-wednesday-29th-october-2025/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Editorial Staff]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Mon, 03 Nov 2025 09:07:30 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[General News]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://embassy.ag/?p=27910</guid>
<description><![CDATA[La entrada <a href="https://embassy.ag/dario-item-antigua-barbuda-report-from-the-cabinet-of-antigua-and-barbuda-meeting-of-wednesday-29th-october-2025/">Report from the Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda Meeting of Wednesday, 29th October 2025</a> se publicó primero en <a href="https://embassy.ag">Antigua and Barbuda Embassy in Madrid - Ambassador Dario Item</a>.
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<div class="et_pb_text_inner">The prayers before Cabinet were led by a Pastor from the Evangelical Association who read from Psalm 112 which is a short wisdom psalm that describes the blessings and character of a righteous person who fears the Lord and delights in His commandments.
In summary Psalm 112 portrays the godly life as one of integrity, generosity, and unshakable trust in God. It emphasizes that true blessing and stability come from reverence for the Lord, not from worldly power or wealth. The Pastor prayed that members of the Cabinet will be guided by Psalm 112. He prayed for wisdom and their families. 
1. The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda, Chaired by Prime Minister the Hon. Gaston Browne with him providing an update on the status of Antigua and Barbuda students pursuing studies in Jamaica and the Republic of Cuba, two countries that were affected by the passage of Hurricane Melissa. 
The Government secured 53 Antigua and Barbuda students in the Pegasus Hotel for a period of seven days. The students are now preparing to return to their respective universities to recommence studies on Monday 3rd November.
Cabinet members thanked God for protecting our students and prayed for the families of those individuals who perished during the passage of the storm. The Cabinet expressed its wish for a swift return to normalcy in Jamaica and Cuba and agreed to provide assistance to aide in the recovery process.
Cabinet agreed to provide the following assistance:
<ul>
<li>Provision of healthcare supplies</li>
<li>Military Personnel </li>
<li>APUA Linesmen </li>
</ul>
2. The General Manager of the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) briefed the Cabinet on the commencement of the All Saints Road HDPE Pipeline Project as part of APUA’s ongoing water network modernization programme and to seek Cabinet’s endorsement of the project schedule and implementation plan.
The existing 16-inch cast iron pipeline along portions of All Saints Road has reached the end of its useful life and has been the source of frequent leaks and reduced hydraulic efficiency. As part of APUA’s strategic initiative to modernize the national water distribution system, the Authority has developed a replacement plan utilizing High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipelines, which offer enhanced durability, hydraulic performance, and reliability.
The project entails the replacement of the existing 16-inch cast iron main with 20-inch and 12-inch HDPE pipelines along sections of All Saints Road. The new pipeline will improve flow capacity, pressure stability, and overall network reliability, thereby reducing service interruptions to consumers in the area.
Expected Outcomes
 • Enhanced water distribution capacity and reliability along All Saints Road.
 • Reduced incidence of leaks and system failures.
 • Improved water quality and supply pressure for consumers.
 • Modernized infrastructure aligning with APUA’s long-term water network improvement goals. 
3. Cabinet: 
 • Highlighted the importance of maintaining the integrity of the Government’s financial operations and strengthening internal controls within the Treasury Department, Customs and Excise Division, and the Inland Revenue Department.
 • Acknowledged that the absence of regular rotation of officers in sensitive positions responsible for payments, revenue collection, or financial authorizations can increase the risk of collusion, fraud, and weak accountability.
 • Agreed that a strategy for the periodic rotation of officers in key financial positions across the Treasury, Customs, and Inland Revenue Departments, consistent with good public financial management practices, should be developed with technical assistance from CARTAC and other appropriate experts.
 • Agreed that the Ministry of Finance should request the technical assistance and/or engage the appropriate expertise as a matter of priority to ensure establishment and enforcement of an effective rotation programme for officers occupying high-risk or sensitive positions.
 • Further agreed that the Financial Secretary shall, upon consultation with the Minister, rotate or transfer officers between the Treasury, Customs, Inland Revenue, or other departments and units of the Ministry of Finance to support reform initiatives aimed at strengthening public financial management, enhancing accountability, and improving performance.
 • Directed that the Financial Secretary submit periodic updates to Cabinet on the development and implementation of the rotation strategy. 
4. Last week we reported that Cabinet decided that effective November 30th, all Tax Concessions granted to all businesses and entities in Antigua and Barbuda will cease to exist. All businesses and active projects may re-apply to the Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda effective 1st December 2025. 
The Cabinet has decided this week that any new concessions granted will expire in three years. Applicants will be required to attach existing concessions when making a new application from 1st December.</div>
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La entrada <a href="https://embassy.ag/dario-item-antigua-barbuda-report-from-the-cabinet-of-antigua-and-barbuda-meeting-of-wednesday-29th-october-2025/">Report from the Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda Meeting of Wednesday, 29th October 2025</a> se publicó primero en <a href="https://embassy.ag">Antigua and Barbuda Embassy in Madrid - Ambassador Dario Item</a>.
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<title>Report From The Cabinet Of Antigua And Barbuda Meeting Of Wednesday, 22nd October 2025</title>
<link>https://embassy.ag/dario-item-antigua-barbuda-report-from-the-cabinet-of-antigua-and-barbuda-meeting-of-wednesday-22nd-october-2025/</link>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Editorial Staff]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Fri, 24 Oct 2025 08:29:01 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[General News]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://embassy.ag/?p=27903</guid>
<description><![CDATA[La entrada <a href="https://embassy.ag/dario-item-antigua-barbuda-report-from-the-cabinet-of-antigua-and-barbuda-meeting-of-wednesday-22nd-october-2025/">Report From The Cabinet Of Antigua And Barbuda Meeting Of Wednesday, 22nd October 2025</a> se publicó primero en <a href="https://embassy.ag">Antigua and Barbuda Embassy in Madrid - Ambassador Dario Item</a>.
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<div class="et_pb_text_inner">The prayers before Cabinet were led by a Pastor from the Evangelical Association who read from Psalm 24 which reminds us that everything belongs to God — the earth, its people, and all that fills it. He is not only the Creator of the world, but also its rightful Ruler. This truth calls us to humility and gratitude; our lives, our gifts, and our surroundings are all entrusted to us by Him.
In its closing verses, the psalm lifts our eyes heavenward: “Lift up your heads, O gates… that the King of Glory may come in.” When we open the gates of our lives — letting go of pride, fear, and distraction — the King of Glory enters in with strength, peace, and purpose.
The Pastor prayed that members of the Cabinet will be enriched with strength, grace, wisdom and courage in the execution of their duties.
1. Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Gaston Browneheld discussions on the unauthorized purchases of vehicles for the government of Antigua and Barbuda, and the review by the Financial Secretary of information received on such purchases to determine where there have been unauthorized purchases and other irregularities, and to negotiate and settle restitution for any excesses.
The Cabinet was advised that the Financial Secretary commenced discussions with the car dealerships and through reconciliation, restitution in the amount of $10 million dollars was recovered by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda from one car dealership. The Financial Secretary will continue discussions with another car dealership with the intention of negotiating and settling the repayment of revenues lost.
Cabinet also approved the implementation of a new Government Vehicular Policy, which will be rolled out within the next fourteen (14) days. Key provisions of the policy include:
<ul>
<li>Establishment of an Advisory Committee to oversee vehicle allocations and usage</li>
<li>Allocation of vehicles based on the duties of ministries and departments</li>
<li>Vehicles are to be used only for authorized government services</li>
<li>Passengers must be on official government business, except in emergencies or with prior authorization</li>
<li>Vehicles unsuitable for use, or exceeding five years of service, must be disposed of via public auction</li>
<li>All vehicles must be parked at ministry headquarters or designated locations upon completion of daily duties</li>
</ul>
In related matters, Cabinet agreed to relocate Transport Board and all of its busses and vehicles from the Government’s Motor Pool on Palmetto Drive to the Transport Board Headquarters in Herberts.
2. The Cabinet of has been informed that the Finance Audit Team has commenced spot checks of containers moving through the St. John’s Port.
Following reports of government observing significant reduction in revenue from the Port and businesses not paying correct duties and taxes on imports, the Cabinet announced last week that it will engage private individuals and the Finance Audit Team to accompany customs officers to randomly inspect containers to ensure that manifested items comprise the contents of containers and that correct value are assigned to the imports.
The Cabinet has further expanded the team of individuals to carry out spot checks at the port to include law enforcement officers. A special fund will be established to compensate individuals who will be selected randomly from a Register of competent private citizens of good standing to carry out the checks. Individuals listed in the Register will be selected in a fashion similar to the Jury Duty selection process. 
The Cabinet has also identified a protected space at the Port Authority where the spot checks on containers will be executed, to be observed by a modern security system during the unpacking.
3. Cabinet has decided that effective November 30th, all Tax Concessions granted to all businesses and entities in Antigua and Barbuda will cease to exist. All businesses and active projects may re-apply to the Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda effective 1stDecember 2025. 
The Cabinet list the following as some of the reasons for the decision:
Policy Review and Alignment
<ul>
<li style="list-style-type: none;">
<ul>
<li>The government wants to review existing concessions to ensure they align with current economic priorities, sustainable development goals, and investment strategies.</li>
<li>It allows Cabinet to reassess which sectors or projects truly need support and which can operate without tax incentives.</li>
<li>Promoting Fair Competition</li>
<li>As blanket concessions creates uneven advantages for some businesses over others.</li>
<li>Ending existing concessions and allowing businesses to re-apply ensures a level playing field, where incentives are targeted to projects that bring real economic value, such as employment, innovation, or real development.</li>
<li>Encouraging Compliance and Accountability</li>
<li>The need for re-application ensures that businesses and projects meet updated criteria and adhere to proper regulations.</li>
<li>It strengthens transparency and accountability in the allocation of tax benefits.</li>
<li>Strategic Economic Planning</li>
<li>This move gives the government an opportunity to align incentives with long-term national goals, such as green energy, tourism diversification, health and education development.</li>
<li>This also allows the Cabinet to phase out concessions that no longer serve the country’s interests.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
The Honourable Minister for Works informed the Cabinet that she, along with her team, has organized a Special Meeting and Workshopfor all building contractors across Antigua and Barbuda. The event will be held at the John E. St. Luce Conference Centre, following the Independence celebrations.
The workshop will cover several key areas critical to the construction sector, including contract preparation, construction standards and the national building code, project management and planning, quality control and best practices, collaboration with government agencies, and labour and workforce development.
The session will be addressed by Senior Members of the Cabinet, including Prime Minister the Honourable Gaston Browne and Sir Molwyn Joseph. It will also explore opportunities for training programmes for small contractors and initiatives to improve access to financing for construction projects.
Meanwhile, the Cabinet was informed that contractors are needed by the National Housing and Urban Development Company Limited to construct 15 new homes as part of the division’s Build on your Own Land Programme.
The areas selected for this construction are:
<ul>
<li>Paynters</li>
<li>Radio Range</li>
<li>Villa</li>
<li>Law pasture</li>
<li>Clarkes Hill</li>
<li>All Saints</li>
<li>Jennings</li>
<li>Cassada Gardens/ New Winthropes</li>
<li>McKinnon</li>
<li>Glanvilles</li>
<li>Herbert’s</li>
</ul>
5. The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has taken note of a letter of grievance submitted by the Antigua and Barbuda Pensioners Association (ABPA) to the Social Security Board, outlining several concerns related to the processing of pension applications, sick benefits, and recent pension policy changes.
The correspondence highlighted a number of areas including:
• Processing of pension applications;
• Sick benefits;
• Pension approvals for applications from 2020;
• Reports of customer service challenges faced by pensioners when seeking updates; and
• Concerns over the withdrawal of early pension benefits as of January 1, 2025, as well as calls for widow and widower pension reform to ensure fairness and parity.
Cabinet notes that the Social Security Board has received the Association’s letter and has commenced internal discussions on the matters raised. The Cabinet emphasizes the importance of a professional and timely resolution to the concerns, including better communication with pensioners regarding processing timelines and eligibility rules.
Cabinet agreed to monitor the ongoing discussions between the Social Security Board and the Pensioners Association to ensure that the areas outlined are addressed constructively and expeditiously.
The Cabinet reiterates its respect for the contributions made by the nation’s retirees and assures all pensioners that their welfare remains a priority of Government policy. The Government continues to work toward a modern, responsive, and financially sustainable Social Security System that serves the needs of both current and future generations.
6. The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has approved the restructuring and modernization of the Treasury Department, following a detailed presentation by the Accountant General and Senior Members of his Team.
The presentation outlined both the current structure of the Treasury and the proposed organizational reforms designed to enhance financial management, improve accountability, and ensure greater operational efficiency within the public finance system.
Under the new structure, the Treasury will transition from six divisions to four specialized divisions — Financial Management, Cash Management, Financial Control, and Accounting — each led by dedicated senior officers.
The reorganization introduces:
• An additional Deputy Accountant General (DAG) position (raising the number from two to three);
• The creation of four new Assistant Deputy Accountant General (ADAG) positions;
• The establishment of new analyst and technical roles to strengthen financial reporting, reconciliation, and expenditure control; and
• The realignment of IT services from the Treasury to the Financial Secretary’s Office to enhance digital integration and oversight.
The reforms will create 13 new positions while removing 10 existing posts (including IT and redundant administrative positions), resulting in a net staff increase of three, from 65 to 68.
The Cabinet noted that the reorganization will deliver major governance improvements through:
• Clearer separation of duties between Financial Control and Cash Management divisions;
• Greater accounting independence and internal audit oversight;
• Enhanced professional specialization with the introduction of Treasury Analysts (TAs) and Senior Treasury Analysts (STAs); and
• Improved alignment with international public finance management standards.
7. The Cabinet mandated that the Accountant General and Financial Secretary report periodically to Cabinet on the progress of implementation and performance outcomes.
The Cabinet commended the Financial Secretary, Accountant General, and Budget Director and their teams for their leadership in modernizing the nation’s financial management architecture. These reforms mark a significant step toward achieving greater transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the management of public funds.
The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has given its approval for the establishment of a public–NGO partnership between the Government and the Integrated Health Outreach (IHO) for the creation and management of a 24-hour shelter dedicated to victims of gender-based violence (GBV).
The initiative is part of the Government’s ongoing commitment to gender equality, women’s empowerment, and the protection of vulnerable citizens. The proposed shelter will provide a safe space for survivors of abuse, offering comprehensive support services including counselling, vocational training, and empowerment programmes aimed at restoring independence and self-sufficiency.
Under the partnership, the Government will contribute five (5) acres of land to develop a women’s farm that will generate income to sustain shelter operations. Additional support will be provided through concessions on construction materials, staffing assistance via relevant agencies such as Public Works, National Housing, and the HAPPI Programme, as well as security coverage from the police or defence force and meal support through existing social protection programmes.
The IHO, as lead NGO partner, will manage shelter operations, coordinate donor funding, and oversee the associated social enterprise initiative. The collaboration will position Antigua and Barbuda as a regional leader in gender justice and GBV response, fulfilling commitments under international conventions such as CEDAW and the Beijing Declaration.
Following the presentation by Dr. Nicola Bird of the Integrated Health Outreach and Director of Gender Affairs, Jamie Saunders, Cabinet reaffirmed its commitment to fostering partnerships that strengthen the nation’s social protection systems and ensure that survivors of violence receive the care, dignity, and support they deserve.
8. The Cabinet has approved the immediate installation and upgrading of camera surveillance systems across all national public schools. Following a presentation by the Minister of Education, the Cabinet allocated fundingfor the procurement and installation of these systems in response to recent break-ins and security breaches at public school facilities.This initiative is part of the Government’s ongoing commitment to enhancing safety and security within the education sector, ensuring that students, teachers, and school property are better protected.</div>
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La entrada <a href="https://embassy.ag/dario-item-antigua-barbuda-report-from-the-cabinet-of-antigua-and-barbuda-meeting-of-wednesday-22nd-october-2025/">Report From The Cabinet Of Antigua And Barbuda Meeting Of Wednesday, 22nd October 2025</a> se publicó primero en <a href="https://embassy.ag">Antigua and Barbuda Embassy in Madrid - Ambassador Dario Item</a>.
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