标签： Antigua and Barbuda

Tanner Street, a downtown thoroughfare long troubled by flooding and traffic congestion during heavy rains, is poised for a significant overhaul. The government has unveiled plans to transform the area into a modern tourist and vendor boulevard, addressing both infrastructure and aesthetic concerns.

Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communications, announced during Thursday’s post-Cabinet briefing that the project will focus on improving drainage from Country Pond to the sea, while creating a more pedestrian-friendly and visually appealing environment. Key elements of the redesign include covering the open drain that currently runs through the area, widening the street, and enhancing traffic flow.

“The goal is to make Tanner Street more aesthetically pleasing while ensuring that overflow from the pond is properly managed,” Merchant explained. “This will eliminate the persistent flooding issues that have disrupted businesses and commuters for years, transforming the area into a welcoming space for both locals and visitors.”

Further details, including consultations with downtown vendors and specific design elements, are expected to be released in the coming weeks. The Tanner Street project is part of a broader urban renewal initiative that also includes road technology upgrades on the nearby Burning Flames Highway, utilizing materials developed in Colombia.

While the government has not yet disclosed the project’s timeline or cost, it has emphasized that the initiative will complement wider beautification efforts across St. John’s. These include repainting government buildings and expanding tree-planting drives throughout the capital.

Officials say the overarching aim is to balance tourism development with improved infrastructure and better working conditions for small business owners operating in the city.

In a historic move, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) is set to launch the first-ever region-wide Student Census on November 11, 2025. This groundbreaking initiative will enable students from kindergarten to Form 5 across the OECS to directly influence the future of education by sharing their authentic voices and experiences. Unlike traditional surveys or samples, this census will include every student, ensuring that no child’s perspective is overlooked. Dr. Didacus Jules, Director General of the OECS, emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating, ‘Transformation begins with listening. This census gives every child the chance to be heard.’ Mrs. Sisera Simon, Head of the Human and Social Division at the OECS Commission, highlighted the transformative potential of the census, noting that it will provide accurate, up-to-date data to shape policies that truly address students’ needs and aspirations. The census will also play a pivotal role in informing the new 10-Year OECS Education Sector Strategy (2027-2037), ensuring that it is grounded in the lived experiences of students. Parents, caregivers, and community members are encouraged to support the initiative by promoting student participation. The census will be conducted confidentially and securely, with all data anonymized to protect students’ privacy. By amplifying the voices of over 100,000 learners, the OECS Student Census aims to build more inclusive, equitable, and student-centered education systems across the region.

The National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) launched its ‘Love Where You Live’ cleanup initiative in October, marking a significant step toward fostering cleaner and healthier communities. Spanning three weeks, the campaign focused on the Villa Area, encompassing Dickenson Bay Street, Anchorage Road, and Fort James Drive. Through meticulous efforts, the NSWMA team revitalized the neighborhood, setting a new standard for environmental stewardship.