The Government of Antigua and Barbuda, in collaboration with the Basel Convention Regional Centre for Training and Technology Transfer for the Caribbean (BCRC–Caribbean), convened a pivotal National Priority Workshop on Hazardous Waste Management on October 2, 2025. Held at the Antigua and Barbuda Hospitality Training Institute (ABHTI) in Osbourn, the event marked a significant milestone in the nation’s efforts to address hazardous waste challenges. The workshop was part of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) ISLANDS Programme, a regional initiative aimed at fostering sustainable and non-chemical development across twelve Caribbean nations. Antigua and Barbuda is currently implementing Output 2.2 of the programme, which focuses on developing a National Hazardous Waste Strategy and Roadmap. This comprehensive strategy aims to strengthen policy frameworks, assess national capacities, and outline actionable steps for managing priority waste streams, including PCBs/POPs, obsolete pesticides, PFAS-containing foams, electronic waste, used lead-acid batteries, waste oils, and healthcare waste. During the workshop, national representatives emphasized the urgency of tackling hazardous waste, noting its growing risks to the country’s natural beauty and public health. A key concern highlighted was the improper categorization and treatment of medical waste, a challenge shared across the Caribbean region. The event served as both a validation and planning forum, enabling stakeholders to review collected data, identify gaps, and establish short-, medium-, and long-term priorities. Presentations covered initial assessments of national capacity, sectoral consultations, and field visit outcomes. Discussions also focused on prioritizing critical waste issues, setting the stage for the next phase of roadmap validation. The session concluded with a Country Engagement Forum led by BCRC–Caribbean, providing an overview of regional activities and gathering stakeholder feedback. By uniting government agencies, technical experts, and local stakeholders, the workshop underscored Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to enhancing its hazardous waste management framework under the ISLANDS Programme.
Antigua and Barbuda Hosts National Priority Workshop on Hazardous Waste Management
