Property owners turned out in large numbers on Wednesday night to offer their properties for rent to delegates attending the Fourth Conference of Small Island Developing States (SIDS4)

The meeting was held at the Multi-Purpose Cultural Centre

The objective of the meeting was to inform property owners of the procedures involved in registering, inspecting, and listing their properties on the conference’s official website.

St. Clair Soleyn, the Project Development Officer in the Ministry of Tourism, explained that the properties must meet a standard set by the United Nations which will be enforced locally by the ministry. Properties will be graded based on categories A, B, and C, each with its corresponding price range.

The government has commissioned a unique app that will, among other things, help guests pay their fees.

All payments will be made before the guests’ arrival. During the session, many property owners raised concerns and queries, which were addressed by Simone Richards, Policy and Project Officer, and the Quality Assurance Officer in the Ministry of Tourism, along with Soleyn. Tourism Minister, Charles Fernandez, expressed his gratitude to the property owners for their willingness to aid the country during this critical moment.

He compared the situation to the staging of the first One-Day International match in Antigua in 1979 when many doubted the country’s ability to host such an international event.

However, Antigua and Barbuda rose to the challenge and produced a fantastic atmosphere for the cricket match.

Everything was ready when the first ball was bowled, and locals and visitors enjoyed a successful cricket match.

According to Minister Fernandez, he wants all of Antigua and Barbuda to adopt such an attitude, rising to challenges and overcoming them.

The Fourth Conference for Small Island Developing States (SIDS)4, will be held from May 27 to May 30.