Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced plans to partner with the Harmonites Steel Orchestra as part of a broader effort to ensure residents of Point and Villa directly benefit from the sweeping redevelopment transforming their communities. According to Antigua.news, Browne made the disclosure while speaking on the scale of investment currently reshaping one of Antigua and Barbuda's most historic constituencies.
The Prime Minister, who also serves as St. John's City West MP, described the ongoing changes as a form of "urban rebuilding" that has fundamentally altered the character of the area. He pointed to several flagship projects driving the transformation, including the modernisation of the cargo and cruise ports, the Global Ports development, and the Booby Alley Housing Project.
Browne outlined the combined financial weight of these initiatives in stark terms. "Between the cargo port and the cruise port, we spent over half a billion dollars. Then you have Global Ports, which is over $100 million EC, and Booby Alley, which is nearly another $100 million. That's about $700 million invested right there," he said.
When government concessions — including duty and tax exemptions tied to the various developments — are factored in, Browne said the total value of investments in Point and Villa approaches EC$1 billion.
With redevelopment accelerating, the Prime Minister said his administration is focused on ensuring that community organisations and residents share in the economic opportunities being generated. He disclosed plans to meet with Harmonites Steel Orchestra to explore ways of improving the band's facilities while opening new avenues for local entrepreneurship.
"I want to talk to Harmonites Steel Orchestra to find out how we can partner with them to get a better pan yard," Browne said.
He suggested that portions of the land currently occupied by the steel orchestra could potentially be used to accommodate small commercial enterprises, with residents given opportunities to establish businesses such as bakeries, pastry shops, and other community-based ventures.
Browne also revealed that he has already directed Port Manager Darwin Telemaque to begin preliminary discussions with the Harmonites to identify possible areas of cooperation and development.
The Prime Minister said the government's overarching aim is to ensure that the economic transformation of Point and Villa produces tangible improvements in the daily lives of the people who call those communities home. "We want to make sure that the redevelopment benefits the residents of Point and Villa and creates opportunities that improve their quality of life," he said.
