In an effort to address the prevalence of derelict properties in Antigua and Barbuda, the nation’s government is set to introduce a special demolition unit to work on eliminating the problem. The initiative was mentioned by Prime Minister Gaston Browne on his weekly radio show.
“To address the issue of derelict properties, we are now establishing a special demolition unit, in which these properties will be marked – we’ll go through all the legal processes – and the derelict properties will be demolished”, said Prime Minister Browne.
The initiative has been brought forth in the broader context of renovating the island’s infrastructure and improving community aesthetic, especially in urban areas. In Antigua and Barbuda, there has been a marked increase in public conversation about abandoned buildings that have become eyesores, facilitating health hazards and rodent infestation.
The drive to improve this aspect of the nation’s infrastructure led government to pass legislation making it easier to combat instances of property dereliction. The law allows for the court to grant permission to the government – following notice to the last-known owners – to address any hazards relating to the derelict property. If owners do not comply, the government can forcibly acquire the buildings.
“If there’s persistent delinquency in which you’re not paying property taxes, you’re not paying to keep these lots clean, then obviously there will be consequences”, the PM stated. “We are not trying to disinherit anyone of their land, but we cannot allow these communities to remain in this derelict state”.
Is it the Browne Demolition Services??
Why don’t you call him, live and in living color, next week Saturday and ask him? Wouldn’t that be the better thing to do? Just call him and have a word with him instead of speculating.
I’m in total agreement: give notice first and if no action then the government does what it has to in order to make our island clean and beautiful.
Talk is cheap. We need more actions the chatter…… Promises were made to have island cleaned from all the derilect vehicles & plastic items, yet the island is still contaminated with these items.
Great move PM. A government with vision. Some people will never support anything the government does becsuse they dont like the PM. So even when he is doing right for some people he is doing wrong.
Support this move 100%
I hope is really the people who need the support that benefit from this initiative
Cleaner neighborhoods, safer streets, and less mosquito breeding grounds. This demolition unit could really help the community!
This is long overdue. Some of those old buildings are dangerous and dragging down entire neighborhoods.
I support this 100%. If you’re not maintaining your property and not paying taxes, you shouldn’t hold the community hostage.
Some people can’t afford to maintain these homes. Can’t just do that