Antigua and Barbuda’s landmark Government House is undergoing a transformative restoration projected for completion by mid-2026, according to Senator Jamilla Kirwan’s recent address to the Upper House. The independent senator revealed during the 2026 budget debate that the preservation initiative has successfully secured over EC$7 million in funding since its inception in 2017.
The ambitious project, spearheaded by the Antigua and Barbuda Heritage Trust, aims to convert the historic property into a multifunctional cultural center while maintaining its official role as the Governor-General’s workplace. The restored complex will feature a living museum chronicling the nation’s political evolution, an art gallery displaying repurposed royal portraits and historical artworks, and versatile event spaces for public use.
Senator Kirwan emphasized the restoration’s national significance, characterizing it as a profound commitment to cultural stewardship and sustainable legacy building. Beyond architectural preservation, the project intends to stimulate revitalization of adjacent historic districts and establish precedents for future heritage protection laws.
The funding model exemplifies successful cross-sector collaboration, with substantial contributions from individual donors, nonprofit organizations, and corporate partners. Kirwan particularly acknowledged the Halo Foundation—the Governor-General’s charitable arm—for its complementary decade-long work supporting vulnerable populations, illustrating the interconnection between physical heritage conservation and social development.
The senator utilized the restoration update to advocate for strategic long-term asset management, stressing that consistent maintenance planning supersedes reactive emergency repairs. This approach ensures national treasures endure for future generations while serving contemporary civic needs.
The project timeline anticipates a formal public unveiling no later than the second quarter of 2026, marking the culmination of nearly a decade of concerted preservation efforts.