St Peter hopeful outlines plan for Marina project

The history of the Parham Harbour has been long documented in Antigua and Barbuda, what also is no secret is the need for the area to be upgraded.

This has caught the eye of the Antigua Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) candidate Rawdon Turner who has shared a comprehensive plan to rehabilitate the historic harbour into a marina, a project which is being used as one of several campaign points for the January 14 by-election.

His campaign team has leaned heavily into his updated 2025 manifesto to appeal to voters.

His 28-page policy document “Together with Turner” presented a development agenda centered on three strategic pillars: infrastructure modernization, economic revitalization, and community development.

In his manifesto, Turner who is a resident of the area, outlined a step-by-step plan for the harbor.

“It has always been a dream of mine, since growing up in Parham Town to create a bustling waterfront for economic activities and opportunities,” Turner mentioned.

For phase one of the project, residents in St. Peter will be able to invest and build a gas station in the area. This gas station will serve the fisheries and private vessels.

Phase two will see the expansion of this gas station into a full marina offering berths and moorings for boats in the harbor.

The marina will generate income from rent to moor or berth boats and will create job opportunities for many.

Improved healthcare facilities, implementing youth mentorship programs and community marketplace, the construction of community centers and parks in Gunthropes, Pares, and Parham were just a few other initiatives Turner mentioned.

“The center will provide a safe space for children to socialize and bond. Our elders can also utilize this space to enjoy each other’s company and share the history of our communities with the younger generations. Once established, each community center will serve as the headquarters in that community for community outreach programs such as elderly care, childcare, and general support”, Turner explained.