Prime Minister Gaston Browne has issued a clarion call to the citizens of Antigua and Barbuda, urging them to take greater responsibility for maintaining cleanliness and beautifying their surroundings. Speaking on the Browne and Browne Show on Pointe FM, Browne emphasized that the national clean-up and beautification campaign is a collective effort aimed at restoring pride and order across the nation. The initiative, led by the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF) in collaboration with the Solid Waste Authority, Ministry of Health, and Ministry of Works, seeks to address the alarming levels of litter, derelict vehicles, and abandoned properties that have become significant health and safety hazards. Browne expressed his dismay at the persistent issue of indiscriminate dumping, stating, ‘I’m begging our people — this is the 21st century. You’re telling me that people are still taking their bulk waste and dumping them in green spaces when nobody’s looking? That’s inappropriate. There’s a landfill. Take it to the landfill.’ The campaign is not limited to cleaning; it also includes beautification efforts, with the ABDF and prisoners assisting in planting flowering and fruit trees along major roads. Browne envisions a country where citizens can take pride in their surroundings, saying, ‘When you drive along the road, we want you to feel proud being in Antigua. Our vision is for citizens to enjoy living standards that are second to none.’ To further the initiative, the government plans to introduce legislation allowing for the demolition of derelict buildings and for cleanup costs to be attached to the land. Browne clarified that the measure is not intended to dispossess owners but to eliminate eyesores and health risks that ‘give a poor impression of the country.’ He also encouraged residents to maintain their homes and surroundings, emphasizing that personal responsibility is crucial for the nation’s development. ‘Each of us must take responsibility. The government can’t do everything,’ Browne said. ‘Even beautifying your home — no matter how small or modest — is important. Put a few little plants in front of your house. It’s not hard to maintain.’ The Prime Minister linked cleanliness and civic pride to the country’s broader economic and social progress, stating, ‘We’re doing very well economically, but the country must reflect the extent of the wealth within it. The litter is awful and we have to address it as a matter of urgency.’ Browne expressed his hope that the cleanup effort would foster a renewed sense of national pride and community engagement, concluding, ‘This is about pride, presentation, and progress. We all have a part to play in making Antigua and Barbuda beautiful again.’
VIDEO: PM Browne Declares War on Litter, Abandoned Buildings, and Public Neglect
