The Cabinet began its sitting with a prayer from a Minister of Religion.
1. Immediately thereafter, the Cabinet began an intense discussion about food security and agricultural production. The State was spending enormous amounts on the importation of chicken (meats) and pork. These two food items can be produced locally in sufficient quantities, the Special Agricultural Adviser, Dr. Patrick Lay, who was invited to Cabinet, would later explain. In 5 years, intense livestock farming on 250 acres of agricultural land could reduce the food import bill by 40%; the current expenditure on these two items exceed $220 million annually. Infrastructural improvements required in order to meet the target would reach an expenditure level of US$2.5 million. The Special Agricultural Adviser noted his own success in raising and multiplying his stock of pigs. Until he reached 1,000 pigs, it was advisable not to commence slaughtering.
2. . The Cabinet received a high-powered team from the Public Works Department, led by its Director. The team provided Cabinet with a 10-minute video displaying the roller compact concrete method they have formulated to international standards and tested locally. They will soon begin to utilize this in various parts of Antigua and Barbuda. The new methodology is expected to last for 30 years as the strength of the concrete measures more than 4000 psi by the 5th day. The Public Works team has rolled out a schedule to tackle community roads in all six parishes in a phased approach. The requirement for each community road would be identified in order to determine the method to be used in its repair or construction. Major community roadways would utilize “the roller-compacted concrete” system, while others which see less traffic will be paved using the double chip seal system. Major work and resources are presently being carried out at the new cemetery and at AUA to meet the requirements for the SIDS conference (May 27– 30). .
3. Four (4) officials from the Treasury and the Ministry of Finance, led by the Financial Secretary, were invited to Cabinet to expand on the new Procurement Rules that were articulated in a recent press release. Since the issue of extended credit to suppliers and contractors is to be approved only by the Financial Secretary, several Ministers sought to clarify the likely results which those firms that usually extend credit to their ministries would now be treated. The Financial Secretary explained that double billing and double payment have occurred; every attempt is being made to ensure that the government gets value for every dollar that it spends. Inflated invoices have also proven to be quite a challenge; the Financial Secretary is expected to ensure that, working with the Treasury officials, the government gets its ‘value for money’.
4. The Cabinet welcomed the Director of Academic Affairs at the UWI Five Islands Campus (UWIFIC) to address the issue of Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) and teaching students to become experts at utilizing the new technology. The UWI Five Islands Campus will host a Conference on A.I. opening on the 6th July 2024, which will bring experts from all over the globe to Antigua to show its application to climate change, healthcare, tourism, and other usages to which A.I. can be applied. It will be a research conference but intended to achieve outstanding results. The Antigua and Barbuda government wants to attract students to UWIFIC whose primary objective is to emerge with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Artificial Intelligence.
5. The issue of LIAT (2020) Ltd was of great importance to the Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda at its sitting. All members were made fully aware of the agreement to purchase LIAT (1974) Ltd. aircraft. The first aircraft will be purchased for USD4.1 million dollars; that will allow for the LIAT (2020) Ltd to meet a condition necessary for it to receive an Air Operator Certificate (AOC). An additional USD12.1 million dollars will be used to purchase the other three (3) aircraft. In less than 60 days LIAT (2020) Ltd. is expected to take to the air. Air Peace is expected to add additional aircraft which will expand the LIAT fleet, allowing LIAT to fly long distances since the Air Peace aircraft will have jet engines.
6. The Cabinet adopted a policy on the importation of Electric Vehicles (EVs), to commence immediately. The Minister of Finance is authorized to waive 100% Duty and 100% Environmental Levy on the importation of EVs. The importer is expected to pay 100% of the ABST and 100% Revenue Recovery Charge (RRC).
7. The Minister of Health gave a report on the frequency of which the SLBMC was utilized by those who became ill. 12,749 patients were processed through radiology during 2023. 15,908 patients were referred to the hospital by private doctors. 3,136 occupied rooms on the wards. 120,000 sessions of dialysis were performed on more than 1,000 patients whose kidneys have failed them. The SLBMC serves many patients satisfactorily during each calendar year. The attempt to paint the institution as somehow failing the unwell men, women and children, who enter through its doors, is highly inaccurate. Concurrently, the Emergency Room (E.R.) is being expanded to care for many who appear at the ER daily. Many patients need urgent care but not necessarily emergency care. Nurses and doctors are also being trained to engage patients as though they were customers who expect warm, gentle and professional services.
8. The cemetery at Tomlinson’s, the new Public Cemetery, is soon to begin receiving burials. Roads within the cemetery are being constructed, fences are being erected, and necessary storage buildings and APUA services are being installed.
9. Parliament will convene at 9:30 am on Thursday 22nd February 2024, when three (3) bills are expected to have their second and third readings.