The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has pledged sweeping support for the transformation of the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF), following a high-level Cabinet visit to its headquarters this week.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne, accompanied by members of Cabinet, received a detailed presentation from Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier Telbert Benjamin on the Force’s multi-year Strategic and Transformation Agenda. The plan aims to modernize the ABDF, strengthen disaster response, expand national service, and deepen its role in national development.

Major Approvals
Cabinet approved a series of landmark investments to accelerate the agenda, including:

Medical Evacuation & Repatriation Services – Formalization of dedicated air and sea evacuation services, budgeted at approximately US$100,000 annually.

Communications & Radar Systems – An allocation of US$1 million to advance Phases 2 and 3, enhancing maritime surveillance and national security.

Food Security Projects – US$360,000 for livestock and fisheries initiatives to boost national resilience.

Interim Patrol Vessel – A US$1.2 million lease for a vessel to strengthen maritime operations until a permanent ship is acquired.

Coast Guard Headquarters – Official designation of Camp Blizzard as the Coast Guard’s new base.

Human Capital Development – Expanded scholarships and training programmes to build technical, leadership, and professional skills among ABDF officers and recruits.

The Cabinet also highlighted the ABDF’s pivotal role in national security, border protection, disaster preparedness, and socio-economic development, particularly through its programmes in agriculture, fisheries, and youth empowerment.