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Hon. Melford Nicholas discloses infrastructure plans the government has for Barbuda (file photo)
As plans to push the development of Barbuda continue to be laid, the government of Antigua and Barbuda has revealed plans to address some infrastructure needs on the sister isle.
Speaking on Pointe FM’s Taking Stock, Utilities Minister Melford Nicholas disclosed his plan to spend some time in Barbuda, specifically “about a week”. The Minister plans to address the current power plant capabilities, as he states the current solar power plant on the island has “reached the top of its utility”.
“We need more energy for Barbuda’s growth, and to be able to do that we also need to build an extended grid; that is, the high tension wires to get power down to the developments that’s gonna take place where the new port is built, and the commercial district down there”, the minister clarified.
Nicholas went on to speak about plans to repurpose the old airport and the planned housing development at Louie Hill, both of which will require energy, water, and telecommunications infrastructure upgrades to bring about.
Nicholas states, “Some work is going to be required in Barbuda over the next 18 months, and we’ve got to get in there early and ensure that we have ourselves lined up.”
It would seem that the government of Antigua and Barbuda plans to follow through with their promises to develop Barbuda, for what they perceive to be the good of the island’s residents and for the country as a whole.
This all sounds well and good for any country’s development especially Barbuda. But is it really true what they are saying is intended to happen based on past experiences with this government? After all there is no denying the many plans and promises that were never kept or started and failed..Those also sounded good too. so…..
Not telling anyone how to do their jobs but please consider burying utilities in light of the occasional hurricanes and the damage they cause to utility lines. This will not only be most cost effective but also convenient.
What about the infrastructure of Antigua that there are many houses and buildings in poor condition and full of zinc.
It’s encouraging to see steps being made towards Barbuda’s development. Been too long the sister isle has lagged behind in infrastructure, so this could signal a turning point once the plans go on with real action and community involvement
The proposed 18 months window for groundwork is optimistic. It’s important that the government sticks to timelines, but also remains flexible enough to adjust as needed to do things right
The governments renewed interest in Barbuda’s infrastructure might look like progress to the fools. But I’m sure it’s all just a strategic move to have control over Barbuda. Real development should empower and satisfy Barbudans but just satisfy the government’s economic goals
Turning Barbuda into another commercial hub might look good on paper, but what happens to our land, our culture, and our say in how our island evolves? We’re not just a blank canvas for big government plans. We’re not against development but it has to be for Barbudans, by Barbudans. Too often, plans are made in Antigua, then dropped on us without real consultation. That’s not partnership, that’s control.
Ah you go hear when Barbuda vote to be separate and want nothing to do with Antigua. The ppl tired of yall meddling in their affairs.