WHAT'S ON

Read the Latest Notes from Cabinet held at its last meeting.

Notes from Cabinet:  (PT1)

The Covid-19 pandemic dominated the discussion and decision-making in the Cabinet. The Minister of Health advised that there are only six (6) active COVID-19 cases in Antigua and Barbuda at this time. 

- Nonetheless, the OMICRON Variant is causing some concern since it may become necessary to reverse the Cabinet’s earlier decisions. The Cabinet determined that visitors and returning nationals may not utilize Rapid Antigen tests to enter. Beginning December 8th, 2021, only PCR tests, no more than 3 days old, can be utilized for entry into Antigua and Barbuda. 

-The organizers of fetes have indicated that they are capable of testing 300 patrons at the door of the event. The Cabinet accepted that offer, so that patrons to fetes do not have to be tested on the day prior to the event. However, the requirement that all patrons be fully vaccinated, show their vaccination ID card before entry, and also take the rapid antigen test before entering, still holds. The policy is based on the likelihood of high transmissibility of the COVID-19 virus. 

-Up to 100 government workers returning to work today, December 1st, 2021, can be tested; hence, should the number returning exceed 100, those workers will have to undergo the COVID-19 test on another day. However, they cannot return to their workplace until such time as they have been tested. The public is reminded that all un-vaccinated government workers are required to undergo COVID-19 testing every 14 days. Only 100 workers can be tested per day. Testing is conducted at the Villa Polyclinic. 

-The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has contracted to purchase 25,000 test kits from India that will be used widely. They will add to the stock of test kits already in the arsenal of Covid-19 supplies.

Notes from Cabinet:  (PT2)

Bishop Charlesworth Browne of the Kingdom Leaders also presented himself to Cabinet, as one of the Kingdom Leaders who sought an audience with Cabinet. The Bishop explained that three other members of this new organization were to have joined him, but they are unvaccinated and are unable to enter the Prime Minister’s office (based on the COVID-19 vaccine policy) where the Cabinet Secretariat is housed. The Bishop applauded the newest Covid-19 policies of the Cabinet. Nevertheless, two cases demonstrated an anomaly in the application of the policy, he argued. The first is of a policeman who went on leave before the mandatory vaccination policy was in place; yet, his salary has not been paid. He was asked while on leave to prove that he had taken the vaccine. The policy then in operation allowed him to remain unvaccinated until the September 30th deadline, though his leave was still active in October. The Cabinet accepted that this approach did not comport with the policy that was initiated and gave the assurance that the matter will be investigated and the policeman will be paid what is rightfully his. The second case involved a lady at an insurance company who sought a religious exemption. The Bishop was told by the Chairman of Cabinet that the private sector is free to determine which rules govern on their premises. The lady is to seek an exemption from the private employer. The regulations published do not narrowly point to Rastafarians as the only religious group that can enjoy exemptions. However, the exemptions ought not to be granted on the basis of personal belief but on the announced theological basis of the religious sect.

Notes from Cabinet:  (PT3)

Three representatives of the Antigua and Barbuda Youth Symphony Orchestra (ABYSO) were invited to Cabinet in order to share their findings on the transformation of the former KFC High-Street/Deluxe property that has been granted to them. A technical team, which includes an engineer and an architect, hopes to start the redevelopment of the property to fit their use. When complete, the space is intended for practice as well as storage of the instruments they now own, and the very valuable additions that are being sourced in the United Kingdom from generous donors. In the meantime, the instruments which are in their possessions are being stored with 24hr security. However, the youth musicians require a much larger space in which to practice. 

They require the government to provide: 

1. a gutted building at the High Street property

2. a lease governing possession and use

3. Assurances (to be provided to government) on the financial capability of ABYSO to complete the refurbishment of the building.

Notes from Cabinet:  (PT4)

The Cabinet determined that the 109 temporary teachers employed for three (3) months will likely become permanent teachers in the next budget cycle.

Notes from Cabinet:  (PT5)

The Ministry of Works will complete the renovations of Edward Ward at the old Holberton Hospital to accommodate the transfer of the Dialysis Unit from the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre. The Dialysis Center is in need of more space and more machines in order to meet increasing demands for dialysis treatment. A Cardiac Unit will occupy the space at the SLBMC where the Dialysis Unit has been since its inception. An outstanding medical institution will collaborate with the Ministry of Health to provide the human resource expertise required and to identify the additional experts and equipment that will also be needed to make the new Cardiac Unit meet the highest standards possible.