First Cabinet Meeting Convened on Wednesday

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The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has approved the establishment of a national Safe Haven for Women and Children in Need of Care and Protection, in what officials describe as a major advancement in the country’s response to child protection and gender-based violence.

The initiative, which will be spearheaded by the Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation, aims to create a dedicated trauma-informed facility designed to provide emergency shelter, therapeutic services, family strengthening programmes, and structured reintegration support for vulnerable women and children.

Cabinet also approved the formalization of strategic partnerships to support both the development and long-term operation of the facility.

One of the major commitments comes from Team Island Girls, which has pledged EC$350,000 toward construction and capital development after several years of fundraising efforts dedicated to the national project.

An Alabama-based church partnership is also expected to contribute volunteer labour, development assistance, furnishings, and community engagement support.

To bolster the initiative, Cabinet approved a Government capital investment of EC$500,000 to assist with land identification, site preparation, regulatory approvals, and initial construction works. Combined with private contributions, the project’s start-up funding now stands at EC$850,000.