The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has approved a proposal to repair and retrofit the former Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) building at the corner of High Street and Corn Alley in St. John's, with plans to repurpose the historic structure as the new home of the National Archives.
According to Antigua.news, the decision follows growing concerns about the structural condition of the current National Archives facility. Officials say the deteriorating building poses safety risks to staff and threatens the preservation of valuable historical documents, records, and artifacts.
Once repair and retrofitting work on the former CIBC building is completed, the government intends to relocate the archives to the refurbished premises. The move is intended to provide a safer and more secure environment for materials that chronicle the nation's history and development.
The proposal was brought before Cabinet by the Minister for Works. Cabinet officials indicated the relocation will also improve working conditions for employees responsible for maintaining and managing the country's historical collections.
The government stated that the long-term protection and proper storage of national records is a key priority driving the decision.
