Ground Break for the start of the Booby Alley Housing project

By Aabigayle McIntosh

Construction will soon begin on the much-anticipated Booby Alley Urban Renewal Housing Project, following an official groundbreaking ceremony.

The event marked a bittersweet milestone in what has been a long and challenging journey from the project’s initial concept to its current progress.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne expressed the significance of this development, noting that “site one” was once crowded with small chattel houses that posed health and fire risks due to their close proximity.

He described the struggles of residents, who faced muddy conditions and mosquito infestations during heavy rains.

“It was through my intervention as a representative, who, through a grant from R. Allen Stanford, was able to pave all the alleys and bring some temporary relief. But it was always on the cards to address this issue, with so many dilapidated homes in such a small area,” Browne explained.

The prime minister acknowledged the difficulties in securing funds for the project’s condominium-style housing, a goal ultimately achieved through a grant from the People’s Republic of China.

“I can assure the residents of this community and the people of Antigua and Barbuda that my administration is totally committed to empowering the people of Antigua and Barbuda,” he said. “When it comes to the issues of poverty, hunger, housing, educational opportunities, and health care, my government will not relent.”

Browne emphasized the goal of empowering citizens, ensuring that they have access to essential resources regardless of their background.

He also called on future residents to maintain the homes responsibly, so they can be preserved for future generations.

“If they’re dumping garbage indiscriminately within this housing project, again, it’s self-defeating. We have to raise the standard boldly here at Booby Alley, and this project must be a model for others. While we’re beginning here, similar renewals will target other communities,” he stated.