The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has signed an implementation agreement with the People's Republic of China for the second phase of a grant-funded housing programme that will deliver 100 new homes across the twin-island nation.
The agreement was signed at the Cabinet Room on Wednesday. It provides for the construction of 50 homes in Bolans and 50 in Barbuda, following the near completion of the Booby Alley redevelopment. The project forms part of the continuing cooperation between the two countries under the Belt and Road Initiative.
Chinese Ambassador Jiang Wei said the agreement marks another step in China's support for Antigua and Barbuda's sustainable development. "The housing project means good support from the Chinese government to the sustainable development of Antigua and Barbuda in terms of the people's well-being," the ambassador said, adding that the initiative reflects the continued strengthening of bilateral relations.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne described the signing as "a day of friendship and a day of gratitude," thanking China for what he estimated to be a US$20 million grant to finance the project. The development will consist of climate-resilient, single-storey two- and three-bedroom homes, each site spanning approximately two-and-a-half to three hectares of land.
Browne said the programme is designed to expand access to quality housing, particularly for lower-income families, while supporting social mobility and improving living standards. He also highlighted China's broader contributions to Antigua and Barbuda over several decades, citing support for healthcare, education, infrastructure, sports facilities, the airport, the seaport, and housing development. The Prime Minister said the relationship between the two countries is grounded in mutual respect and cooperation rather than geopolitical interests.
Government Senator for Barbuda Knacyntar Nedd welcomed the project, saying it aligns with the government's goal of expanding home ownership opportunities, particularly for young people. She announced that the development will operate under a rent-to-own model, allowing qualifying families to purchase homes without first securing traditional bank financing — enabling residents to transition from rental arrangements into home ownership.
Construction on the second phase is expected to begin following the completion of preparatory work under the newly signed implementation agreement.
