Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne confirmed Saturday that construction on the highly anticipated Fort James Renaissance Park will break ground by September, marking a key milestone in the government’s push to expand and diversify the nation’s tourism sector. Speaking during the locally broadcast Browne and Browne radio program, Browne revealed the $5 million in seed funding for the transformative project has been sourced directly from funds recovered through a recently settled tax dispute with international hospitality brand Sandals Resorts.
“We have allocated $5 million from the Sandals settlement to begin the Fort James Renaissance project,” Browne stated, noting that contracting processes are already underway, with awards for construction tenders expected to be finalized in the coming months as pre-development preparations move forward.
The redevelopment blueprint for the historic coastal site extends far beyond basic infrastructure upgrades. Planned works include comprehensive beach restoration and enhancement, new commercial dining spaces, modern public recreational facilities, and targeted environmental improvements across the surrounding area. According to Browne, the core vision for the project is to create a shared, inclusive destination that delivers value for both local residents and international visitors, while protecting the site’s unique historical heritage and natural coastal beauty.
Beyond the Fort James project, the Prime Minister also outlined two additional coastal tourism initiatives: the planned development of Barnacle Point and a purpose-built artificial reef, which is designed to serve as both a new environmental habitat and an educational eco-attraction. Browne confirmed that all prefabricated reef modules have already been shipped from the United States, with the government targeting a completion date ahead of Antigua and Barbuda’s hosting of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, scheduled for 2025.
As one of Antigua and Barbuda’s most iconic historic landmarks, Fort James has long been recognized for its untapped tourism potential, thanks to its prime beachfront location on the western coast and deep cultural and historical significance. The redevelopment project sits at the center of a broader national strategy to move beyond reliance on traditional sun-and-sand tourism, expanding the country’s tourism product offering to encourage longer stays and higher visitor spending.
Browne added that the government is currently in ongoing discussions with private stakeholders about complementary private investment in the area, with a focus on tourism-related developments that will boost the appeal of the entire western coastline while preserving permanent public access to the beach.
Government projections indicate the project will deliver widespread economic benefits, creating both short-term construction jobs and long-term operational employment once the park opens, while establishing a new regional recreational hub that serves the entire community.