Prime Minister Gaston Browne has issued a compelling appeal for heightened civic responsibility regarding environmental maintenance in Antigua and Barbuda, emphasizing that littering and dilapidated structures jeopardize the nation’s tourism attractiveness. During his address at Thursday’s inauguration of a new cruise terminal, Browne underscored that environmental preservation is equally crucial as governmental infrastructure investments. He expressed concern over pervasive indiscriminate waste disposal and abandoned properties, while highlighting ongoing governmental efforts to demolish derelict residences and enhance public spaces through beautification initiatives. Browne clarified that public tourism investments aim to elevate living standards, but citizens must correspondingly contribute by sustaining clean surroundings and delivering superior service quality. “We’re investing heavily in our people, but our people now have to reciprocate,” he asserted. This call to action coincides with Antigua and Barbuda’s strategic positioning as a premier Caribbean cruise destination, with the new terminal anticipated to significantly boost visitor arrivals. Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez noted remarkable transformations in the port area since the administration assumed office eleven years ago, eliminating what he characterized as an embarrassing waterfront formerly marred by sunken vessels. Additional cruise-oriented developments are scheduled for Barbuda, Barnacle Point, and other locations within the next three to five years, with officials cautioning that environmental standards must advance synchronously with facility upgrades.
Browne urges citizens to help keep Antigua and Barbuda clean amid tourism growth
