Each week, Cabinet meets to discuss issues that happen across Antigua & Barbuda that affect people economically, politically and socially.
Here are five things that took place this week:
The Director of the Antigua and Barbuda National Archives and his staff reported to Cabinet that the recent rains have compromised repairs done lately to the building.
- Water entered into the storage/documents room through the roof and the spouting. As a result, several boxes got wet by the settling water and the controlled environment no longer existed.
- The Cabinet agreed to provide the necessary resources following an estimate or assessment by the Public Works Department to be presented next Wednesday, June 14, to the Cabinet.
The Head of the School Meals Program and four other managers appeared in Cabinet to discuss shortcomings affecting the programme.
- The need for plumbing, along with the amount of grease, waste water and other disposal systems will require a minimum of $400,000 in spending.
- The Manager said many non-food items were required in order to improve its operation. Plates and other utensils, ventilation, air conditioning and more reliable vehicle repair/maintenance were required. The Cabinet asked for an estimate in writing by next Wednesday.
Minister of Health Molwyn Joseph asked Cabinet for approval to bring in a urologist from the UK to work at Mount St John’s Medical Centre (MSJMC).
- In exchange for 10 continuous years of work at the only public hospital, the visiting urologists will be provided only airfare, housing and ground transportation in Antigua.
- Urologists are required for early detection and treatment of prostate cancer.
Plans to give Botanical Gardens a face-lift is approved
- Experts who engage in green architecture, such as is on display at the famous World Heritage Site of the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, London, have offered Antigua & Barbuda their expertise.
- Prince Henry of Wales “Prince Harry” visited Antigua & Barbuda last year November and this has had some influence on this decision to Antigua. “Work on the historical park should begin before the end of this year,” according to Cabinet.
Minister of Education Michael Browne announced plans for a $5.7 million-dollar Early Childhood Centre
- With the help of grant given by an agency not named by Cabinet, which has “already contributed significant sums to several charitable projects in Antigua & Barbuda”, Buckley’s will have a new Early Childhood Centre.
- Cabinet said that the construction will begin later this year and will take 12 months to complete.