Antigua and Barbuda is advancing a critical infrastructure upgrade for one of its most important fishing hubs, with plans to completely replace the decades-old deteriorating pier at Keeling Point with a modern reinforced concrete structure. The project announcement came shortly after a site inspection led by Minister of State Randy Baltimore and Michael Joseph, Member of Parliament for St. John’s Rural West. During the visit, the two elected officials held talks with Conrad Simon, Coordinator of the country’s Fisheries Division, as well as representatives from the local fishing community to align on project goals and community needs.
Government technical experts have confirmed that incremental repairs carried out on the existing pier over the past several years have failed to resolve ongoing structural issues, and are no longer adequate to support the daily operations of local fishermen. After assessing multiple possible solutions, officials concluded that full reconstruction represents the most cost-effective and durable long-term strategy for the site.
The planned overhaul includes far more than a simple touch-up: all existing wooden support piles will be swapped out for sturdy concrete piles, and the pier will get a new reinforced concrete deck engineered to resist the corrosive effects of saltwater and withstand extreme tropical weather events common to the region. In a departure from the current layout, the new pier will adopt a T-shaped design instead of the existing L-shaped configuration, a change that will create additional working space for offloading catches and significantly improve vessel access for fishing boats of varying sizes.
Beyond infrastructure plans, the site visit also addressed urgent public safety concerns that emerged after a recent shark attack that injured a local fisherman. Minister Baltimore shared an update on the victim’s condition, confirming that the fisherman is currently recovering from his injuries. He also issued a reminder for all mariners and people using the coastal area to maintain heightened awareness of shark activity, noting that government agencies are continuing to monitor increased reports of shark sightings in the region.
Simon, the Fisheries Division coordinator, expressed strong support for the planned redevelopment, noting that the project is part of a wider national push to upgrade critical fisheries infrastructure across the country and lift working conditions for thousands of people who depend on the fishing industry for their livelihoods.