The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda convened on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, under the leadership of Acting Prime Minister and Attorney General, Sir Steadroy Benjamin. The meeting addressed pressing issues, including crime, education, and infrastructure development.
The Cabinet Secretary began the session with a meditation based on Psalm 9:1-2, emphasizing the importance of gratitude and divine guidance in leadership. He urged Cabinet members to seek wisdom and integrity in their duties.
A significant portion of the meeting focused on firearm-related crime. Sir Steadroy updated the Cabinet on police progress in tackling these crimes, noting confidence in upcoming arrests. The government pledged full support to law enforcement, including legislative reforms and increased resources.
The Cabinet also discussed measures to address youth violence and child protection. Plans include reviewing parental accountability laws, expanding CCTV networks, and enhancing child protection services.
In education, a new policy for admitting foreign students to public schools was approved, requiring most foreign students to attend private schools for three years before applying to public schools.
Infrastructure updates included the nearing completion of the Performing Arts Centre, set for handover by September 30, 2026, and accelerated roadworks in preparation for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in November.
Additionally, the Cabinet welcomed a shipment of 4,000 bags of fertilizer from Morocco to boost local agriculture, continuing a partnership that began in 2018.
The meeting concluded with a call for national unity and public cooperation in addressing these issues, reaffirming the government’s commitment to the safety and development of Antigua and Barbuda.
