Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced that the government of Antigua and Barbuda is considering the compulsory acquisition of derelict properties in St. John's as part of a broader push to expand housing opportunities and accelerate urban renewal.
Speaking during an interview with ABS News, Browne said the government is prepared to purchase abandoned lots or enter into land swap arrangements with property owners whose land was previously occupied by derelict structures.
"We have a program in which we are willing to purchase those lots, or even to do a land swap with those individuals who own those lots that were previously occupied by those derelict homes," Browne said.
The Prime Minister added that compulsory acquisition remains under active consideration where voluntary arrangements may not be possible. "We are looking at the possibility to see whether or not we can compulsory acquire them, in the national interest, in the interest of making homes available to Antiguans and Barbudans," he said.
The announcement comes as the government continues its campaign to remove abandoned buildings across St. John's. Dozens of derelict structures have already been demolished in the St. John's City West constituency as part of an ongoing urban renewal and city beautification initiative.
Government officials have stated that clearing derelict properties is aimed at eliminating health and security hazards while opening land for housing development and community revitalization.
