标签： Antigua and Barbuda

Prime Minister Gaston Browne has issued a clarion call to the citizens of Antigua and Barbuda, urging them to take greater responsibility for maintaining cleanliness and beautifying their surroundings. Speaking on the Browne and Browne Show on Pointe FM, Browne emphasized that the national clean-up and beautification campaign is a collective effort aimed at restoring pride and order across the nation. The initiative, led by the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF) in collaboration with the Solid Waste Authority, Ministry of Health, and Ministry of Works, seeks to address the alarming levels of litter, derelict vehicles, and abandoned properties that have become significant health and safety hazards. Browne expressed his dismay at the persistent issue of indiscriminate dumping, stating, ‘I’m begging our people — this is the 21st century. You’re telling me that people are still taking their bulk waste and dumping them in green spaces when nobody’s looking? That’s inappropriate. There’s a landfill. Take it to the landfill.’ The campaign is not limited to cleaning; it also includes beautification efforts, with the ABDF and prisoners assisting in planting flowering and fruit trees along major roads. Browne envisions a country where citizens can take pride in their surroundings, saying, ‘When you drive along the road, we want you to feel proud being in Antigua. Our vision is for citizens to enjoy living standards that are second to none.’ To further the initiative, the government plans to introduce legislation allowing for the demolition of derelict buildings and for cleanup costs to be attached to the land. Browne clarified that the measure is not intended to dispossess owners but to eliminate eyesores and health risks that ‘give a poor impression of the country.’ He also encouraged residents to maintain their homes and surroundings, emphasizing that personal responsibility is crucial for the nation’s development. ‘Each of us must take responsibility. The government can’t do everything,’ Browne said. ‘Even beautifying your home — no matter how small or modest — is important. Put a few little plants in front of your house. It’s not hard to maintain.’ The Prime Minister linked cleanliness and civic pride to the country’s broader economic and social progress, stating, ‘We’re doing very well economically, but the country must reflect the extent of the wealth within it. The litter is awful and we have to address it as a matter of urgency.’ Browne expressed his hope that the cleanup effort would foster a renewed sense of national pride and community engagement, concluding, ‘This is about pride, presentation, and progress. We all have a part to play in making Antigua and Barbuda beautiful again.’

Prime Minister Gaston Browne has urged health authorities to investigate allegations of environmental pollution caused by a local distillery. Residents have reported a persistent and overpowering odor emanating from the facility, prompting immediate concern. Speaking on the ‘Browne and Browne Show’ on Pointe FM, the Prime Minister emphasized that he has directed the Ministry of Health and the Central Board of Health (CBH) to assess the situation and ensure the distillery adheres to environmental and public health regulations. ‘That distillery is polluting the environment — you can smell it from a distance, and that is not acceptable,’ Browne stated. While reaffirming the government’s support for private enterprise, Browne warned that businesses must not compromise public health. ‘We support business, yes. But no business should be allowed to pollute and make people sick. They have to meet certain minimum standards,’ he added. The Prime Minister also connected this issue to his administration’s ongoing national cleanup and beautification campaign, which seeks to enhance sanitation, eliminate derelict properties, and foster a healthier living environment across the country. He called for swift action from the CBH and the Ministry of Health to address the matter and prevent further harm to residents.

Lady Sandra Williams, the esteemed wife of Antigua and Barbuda’s Governor General Sir Rodney Williams, has garnered an outpouring of support from both local and international communities following her recent spinal surgery. In a heartfelt Facebook post shared on Thursday, Lady Williams expressed profound gratitude for the overwhelming kindness, prayers, and encouragement she has received from friends, supporters, and well-wishers worldwide.

A dedicated advocate for humanitarian causes, Lady Williams reassured the public that her recovery process will not impede her ongoing charitable endeavors. She emphasized that the Halo Foundation, the nonprofit organization she founded and has led for over a decade, remains steadfast in its mission to support the most vulnerable populations.

In her message, Lady Williams also took the opportunity to inspire others to prioritize their health, stating, ‘Challenges will come, but they do not mark the end of the journey.’ Her resilience and unwavering commitment to philanthropy have earned her widespread admiration and respect.

Known for her compassionate leadership and tireless efforts in humanitarian work, Lady Williams continues to inspire confidence as she focuses on her recovery. The global community remains united in wishing her a swift and full recovery, further cementing her legacy as a beacon of hope and service.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced plans to reshape or level Rat Island, a small offshore island near St. John’s Harbour, as part of a broader initiative to modernize and beautify Antigua and Barbuda’s waterfront areas. Speaking on the Browne and Browne Show on Pointe FM, Browne emphasized that the material from the island’s transformation could be repurposed for land reclamation or other construction projects. This move aligns with the government’s vision to enhance the nation’s tourism and port infrastructure, particularly through its partnership with Global Ports Holding. The prime minister highlighted that the St. John’s Harbour area is central to creating a “modern, world-class capital” capable of attracting visitors and investors. The project complements ongoing efforts, including new cruise port facilities and city beautification initiatives. Browne expressed confidence in the progress of these developments, stating that such projects reflect modernization, presentation, and national pride.

In a bold move to address housing shortages and urban decay, Prime Minister Gaston Browne announced that the Antigua and Barbuda government is prepared to purchase derelict and abandoned properties across the capital, St. John’s. This initiative aims to provide land and housing opportunities for low-income citizens while revitalizing neglected communities. Speaking on the *Browne and Browne Show* on Pointe FM, Browne outlined the dual objectives of the program: to clean up the city and to tackle the growing demand for affordable housing. The government will either buy these properties outright or offer swaps to owners, with a focus on converting neglected lots and abandoned buildings into usable spaces for those in need. Browne warned that uncooperative property owners could face periodic cleaning costs or even demolition of their structures. He emphasized that the program would be managed transparently, ensuring that properties are allocated to deserving individuals rather than being used for political favoritism. The broader goal is to remove urban eyesores, enhance public safety, and foster community pride while enabling working-class Antiguans to gain access to urban property ownership. ‘We have to rebuild the city and give our people the chance to live decently,’ Browne stated. ‘This is about helping those who have been left behind while cleaning up our country at the same time.’ The initiative also targets diaspora members who own derelict properties in St. John’s, offering them a chance to sell their assets to the government for redistribution to those in need.