Just days after the Gaston Browne-led Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party secured a stronger popular mandate in national elections, the new administration held its first official Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. Though no routine official business was transacted during the introductory sitting, the session laid out core governing priorities, honored a trailblazing public servant, and shared key administrative updates that will shape the government’s upcoming term.
The gathering opened on a solemn, reflective note, with Cabinet Secretary leading the assembly in a devotional reading from Isaiah 40:31. Drawing meaning from the verse, the Cabinet Secretary framed the season of new governance as one that calls for reliance beyond individual ability, encouraging members to approach national service with faith amid periods of challenge or uncertainty. This opening reflection was followed by a prayer asking for guidance, renewed strength, and steady purpose for the administration ahead.
Addressing his assembled cabinet and state ministers, Prime Minister Browne opened policy discussions by emphasizing that the administration’s expanded electoral mandate comes with heightened accountability to the people of Antigua and Barbuda. He outlined that the government’s core priority over the coming term will remain focused on delivering tangible, quality-of-life improvements for all citizens and residents. Key policy focus areas identified include upgrading national road networks, expanding access to reliable potable water across the country, accelerating affordable housing development, strengthening public healthcare and education systems, and upgrading core public infrastructure island-wide.
Prime Minister Browne called on every cabinet member to demonstrate exceptional, transparent leadership, noting that the incumbent administration’s existing experience puts it in a position to become one of the most effective governments in Antigua and Barbuda’s modern history. “The people did not give us this mandate for empty promises – they are waiting for results,” Browne stated. “We must work with intentionality, urgency, and discipline to continuously raise living standards for every community in our nation.”
The Prime Minister stressed that accountability and consistent performance will be required across all government ministries, making clear that systemic inefficiency and underperformance will not be tolerated in the new term. He urged all elected officials to maintain regular, open engagement with their constituencies and stay connected to the needs of the voters who entrusted them to office. Senior government leaders echoed the Prime Minister’s calls, encouraging newer and younger elected members to prioritize ongoing development of their leadership, governance, and communication skills while centering public service in all their work.
A key point of emphasis for the Prime Minister was the critical role of unity within the governing party. He warned against internal division and self-serving individualism, reiterating that the administration’s past success has been rooted in collective leadership and a shared commitment to inclusive national development. Cabinet members also discussed strategies to deepen participatory governance, rolling out more frequent community outreach initiatives, constituency town halls, and public engagement sessions to ensure citizen input shapes policy decision-making. In a departure from traditional business, the Prime Minister also encouraged all cabinet members to prioritize their own personal health and well-being, noting that sustained energy and focus are necessary to effectively carry out their governing responsibilities. The opening session concluded with all cabinet members reaffirming their shared commitment to work collaboratively to advance the government’s development agenda and deliver meaningful progress for the people of Antigua and Barbuda.
Following policy discussions, the entire Cabinet paid tribute to Mary-Clare Hurst, a pioneering national figure and longtime devoted public servant who recently passed away. Hurst, who held multiple senior roles including former Senator, Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism, and General Secretary of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party, was remembered as a barrier-breaking leader whose decades of service transformed both the party and national public institutions. Cabinet members held a moment of silence to honor her contributions, with Prime Minister Browne and other ministers praising her unwavering loyalty, professional competence, and commitment to national progress.
Throughout her career, Hurst achieved multiple historic firsts: she made history as the first woman to serve as General Secretary of the Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party, and went on to serve with distinction as Leader and Deputy Leader of Government Business in the Senate, and Chairman of the Antigua and Barbuda Port Authority. Ministers highlighted her deep commitment to mentorship and youth development, noting her instrumental role in nurturing the next generation of Antiguan and Barbudan leaders and driving modernization of political and public sector institutions. Described by colleagues as a resilient, compassionate, and disciplined leader, Hurst’s legacy of public service is expected to inspire future generations of national leaders. In recognition of her extraordinary contributions to the nation, Cabinet announced that Hurst will be honored with an Official Funeral, and extended sincere condolences to her family, friends, colleagues, and supporters.
In administrative updates, the Treasury Department reported that as of April 29, 2026, retroactive salary disbursements (back pay) to all eligible public sector employees across every government ministry and department have been processed. The department had initially set a target to complete the vast majority of disbursements during April, and will issue a full final update on the process on May 15, 2026.
The Attorney General also shared the official schedule for the opening of the new session of parliament. On May 18, the Lower House of Parliament will convene to swear in newly elected members and elect a Speaker and Deputy Speaker. The government has nominated Osbert Frederick for the position of Speaker and Dr. Philmore Benjamin for Deputy Speaker. Two days later, on May 20, the Senate will hold its inaugural sitting for the new term, where senators will be sworn in and elect a Senate President and Deputy President. The government has put forward Alincia Williams-Grant for President and Philip Shoul for Deputy President. The formal opening of the new parliamentary term will conclude on May 26, when Governor General Sir Rodney Williams will deliver the Throne Speech outlining the government’s legislative agenda for the coming term.
To mark the administration’s electoral victory, Prime Minister Browne announced that a Service of Thanksgiving will be held on May 17 at the St. John’s Pentecostal Church House of Restoration. The Prime Minister extended an open invitation to cabinet members, parliamentarians, party supporters, and members of the general public to attend the service, to give thanks for the trust the electorate placed in the administration, and to pray for continued guidance and strength as the government begins its new term.
