One Million Bottles, 82 Schools and Now, One Expanded Recycling Hub Set to Transform Antigua

PRESS RELEASE

St. John’s, Antigua – May 30^th 2025 – Antigua and Barbuda’s recycling capacity is getting a major boost with the support of the Sandals Foundation through the Build Recycling Capacity in Antigua Project, a forward looking initiative led by Good Humans 268 Inc. and valued at about US $35,000.00

The project will see the enhancement of an existing recycling facility through the construction of two new buildings that will house a museum and dedicated workshop spaces. This expanded infrastructure will improve local waste management systems while offering training to 20,000 residents, including students, teachers, and members of the wider community. Designed to support long-term behavioural change, the initiative also includes a dynamic public awareness campaign, featuring a recycling-themed soca song to be performed by a Junior Party Monarch competitor during Antigua’s 2025 Carnival celebrations in August.

“The recycling centres are a major step forward in strengthening Antigua’s environmental response,” said Heidi Clarke, Executive Director of the Sandals Foundation. “They will serve as education hubs, training centres, and practical collection points that help embed sustainability into everyday life.”

The facilities are expected to significantly expand national capacity to process and manage recyclables, supporting the country’s broader environmental goals. In addition to infrastructure development, the initiative will actively engage citizens through workshops, youth events, and vibrant public campaigns designed to shift mindsets around consumption and waste.

“Welcoming the Commonwealth Games King’s Baton to our home was a powerful reminder of the global connections we share and the local responsibility we hold,” said Joshuanette Francis, President of Good Humans 268 Inc. “With the support of the Sandals Foundation, this next phase, constructing recycling facilities and deepening public engagement, allows us to build real infrastructure for change. It’s not just about removing plastic; it’s about empowering people to be part of the solution.”

This latest collaboration builds on the success of the Student Community Service – Recycling Project, also supported by the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts International and executed by Good Humans 268. That programme, which began in September 2023, outfitted 82 primary and secondary schools with recycling bins and signage and set an ambitious goal of diverting 85,000 aluminum cans and 765,000 plastic bottles from landfills. With over 189,000 pounds of recyclables collected to date, the project is on track to achieve its targets by mid-2025.

Notably, the earlier initiative reached more than 50,000 individuals through in-school activities, community cleanups, and appearances at major national events including Antigua Sailing Week, Carnival J’ouvert, and Run for a Cure. It also created employment opportunities for persons with disabilities, supported youth representation at regional summits, and strengthened partnerships with organizations such as the Department of Environment; the Plastic Waste-Free Islands Initiative; and the Antigua and Barbuda Waste Recycling Corporation (ABWREC).

As momentum builds with the upcoming recycling facilities and Carnival-themed awareness campaign, Antigua and Barbuda is charting a powerful path toward environmental stewardship. One rooted in action, powered by partnership, and driven by a belief that even the smallest island voices can echo loudly in the fight against climate change.