The historic St. John’s Police Station officially reopened Thursday morning following an extensive $2 million renovation that modernized the 19th-century building while preserving its distinctive West Indian architectural character.

The ceremony, held in the station’s courtyard, brought together senior government officials, police leadership, and community members to mark the return of officers to their headquarters in the heart of the capital after months of temporary relocation.

Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin, who spearheaded the renovation effort, emphasized the administration’s dual commitment to preserving architectural heritage while meeting modern policing needs.

“The Gaston Browne administration spent more than $2 million to refurbish this structure,” Benjamin declared during his keynote address. “We aimed to retain and to preserve one of the most magnificent, architecturally distinctive properties which we had to protect. We must preserve the architectural structures that prevailed back then for the future of this nation.”

The project required relocating entire police operations to temporary facilities on Bay Street while contractors completely gutted and rebuilt the interior of the limestone and mortar structure dating back to the 1800s.

Acting Commissioner of Police Everton Jeffers spoke about the deep significance of returning to a building that has shaped generations of law enforcement careers.

“For many of us, this station represents the birthplace of our careers,” Jeffers said. “After graduating from the Police Academy, we patrolled these streets, walked the beat, and became intimately familiar with the number one, number two, and number three circles. It was here that we transformed theory into practice and where the foundational elements of our service were forged.”

The renovated facility now boasts expanded operational spaces, improved detention and interview areas, modern cellular communication equipment, and enhanced public interaction areas. The restoration included the building’s upper floor, unused for years, effectively expanding the facility’s square footage while addressing longstanding infrastructure problems.

Minister of Works Maria Browne, whose ministry oversaw the project, praised the collaborative effort that maintained the building’s historical character despite extensive modernization.

“I want to say a special thank you to the contractor who worked along with our buildings department at the Ministry of Works to make this possible,” Browne said, acknowledging the challenges of meeting tight deadlines. She specifically thanked contractor Patrice Luke and his team for achieving “complete rehabilitation of this building without losing its West Indian local charm.”

Assistant Commissioner Samuel Joseph, who heads the St. John’s District, expressed appreciation for the patience shown during the challenging renovation period.

“The staff at this station has shown an exceptional level of tolerance over the years,” Joseph said. “We are very much pleased to return home to better serve you, our number one customers, and we promise that operations at the St. John’s Police Station will resume immediately.”

The morning ceremony began with the national anthem performed by Corporal lashel Thomas, followed by prayers of dedication led by Pastor Kendal Doyle, who blessed the facility and its future operations. The event concluded with a symbolic ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Benjamin charged the officers with their renewed mission, “uphold the law with fairness and compassion” and “serve the people of Antigua and Barbuda with distinction and honor.”

The St. John’s Police Station has historically served as both local precinct and a de facto headquarters for the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda, making its restoration a government priority. Officials noted the symbolic importance of its location as a cornerstone of law enforcement in the capital.

This renovation represents part of the government’s broader infrastructure improvement initiative for law enforcement agencies, with similar upgrades planned for other police facilities across the twin-island nation.