WATCH: Browne Proposes Property Swaps to Tackle City Eyesores

Published
WATCH: Browne Proposes Property Swaps to Tackle City Eyesores

The government of Antigua and Barbuda is moving to tackle the issue of derelict properties in the capital by offering land or property swaps to owners.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne announced that legislative changes will soon be introduced to give the government the authority to address abandoned or neglected structures that have become an eyesore in and around St. John’s.

According to Browne, affected property owners will have the opportunity to negotiate directly with the state.

The initiative is part of a wider effort to beautify and modernize the city, with officials highlighting the negative impact abandoned buildings have on safety, tourism, and business activity.

This story was first published by Antigua News on : antigua.news/2025/09/21/watch-browne-proposes-property-swaps-to-tackle-city-eyesores. © 2025 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.

Step 1

Add Antigua.news to your Home Screen

✕ antigua.news ⋯ Open in Safari Copy link Share…

First, open this page in Safari

You are reading inside another app (Instagram, Facebook…). Tap ⋯ at the top right and choose Open in Safari (or Open in browser).

No such option? Copy the link, open Safari and paste it in the address bar.

⚙️ Settings General › Software Update

Update your iPhone first

Alerts need iOS 16.4 or newer. Open Settings → General → Software Update and install the update. You can still add the icon now: tap Next.

‹ antigua.news ⋯

Tap the ⋯ button

It is at the bottom right of Safari, next to the address bar. Don't see the bar? Scroll up a little.

Share Add Bookmark New Tab Find on Page

Tap Share

It is the first option of the menu, with a square-and-arrow icon.

antigua.news ‹ › ▢ ⧉

Tap the Share button

The square with an arrow pointing up, in the middle of the bar at the bottom (on iPad: at the top right).

antigua.news

Tap the Share button

The square with an arrow, at the right of the address bar at the top. (Firefox: tap ☰ at the bottom, then Share.)

Copy Add to Reading List Add to Home Screen

Tap Add to Home Screen

Scroll down the list to find it (icon: a square with a +). Not there? Tap Edit Actions or View More at the bottom.

Cancel Add to Home Screen Add Antigua.news Open as Web App

Keep Open as Web App on, then tap Add

The switch must be green — without it, alerts can't work. Then tap Add at the top right.

Cancel Add to Home Screen Add Antigua.news An icon will be added to your Home Screen so you can quickly access this website.

Tap Add

At the top right. If you see an Open as Web App switch, leave it on (green).

Antigua.news

Close the browser and open Antigua.news from its new icon

Go to your Home Screen: the Antigua.news icon is there now (swipe left if you don't see it). Alerts only work when you open us from this icon.

“Antigua.news” Would Like to Send You Notifications Notifications may include alerts, sounds and icon badges. Don’t Allow Allow

Tap 🔔 Turn on alerts, then Allow

In the app you will see a red box asking to turn on alerts: choose your sections, tap the button, then tap Allow. That's it — breaking news will reach you even with the phone locked.

Shermain Bique-Charles

About the author

Shermain Bique-Charles is an accomplished journalist with over 24 years of dynamic experience in the industry. Renowned for her exceptional storytelling and investigative skills, she has garnered numerous awards that highlight her commitment to journalistic integrity and excellence. Her work not only informs but also inspires, making her a respected voice in the field.

Read our editorial standards and corrections policy. Spotted an error? Contact the newsroom.

Comments (11)

  • Evelyn Houston September 21, 2025, 10:11 AM

    In the interim, would it be an idea, to see if companies or hotels etc. would like to erect hoardings at a reduced rate, to cover up eyesore wasteland and buildings etc. until matters with the owners are resolved?.
    Reply
  • Miranda SToute September 21, 2025, 12:57 PM

    Houston thats a great idea. This is what we should be doing. Pitching ideas and not being unkind
    Reply
  • Antoine September 21, 2025, 5:34 PM

    Another big announcement with no clear timeline. How many times have we heard about plans to ‘beautify’ St. John’s, yet the city looks the same? We need action, not promises.
    Reply
  • Anonymous September 21, 2025, 5:51 PM

    Tourism is the backbone of our economy. Visitors shouldn’t have to walk past derelict properties in the heart of our city. Beautification is long overdue
    Reply
  • Skelly September 21, 2025, 6:12 PM

    Derelict buildings didn’t just appear overnight successive governments allowed the city to decay. Now they want to swoop in with legislation instead of first enforcing the laws already on the books.
    Reply
  • Informed citizen September 21, 2025, 7:53 PM

    This could be a win-win if done right: owners get usable land and the city gets rid of derelict eyesores. Fingers crossed the details are handled transparently.
    Reply
  • Anthony Davis September 21, 2025, 9:51 PM

    Before swapping people’s properties, maybe fix the garbage problem, repair the roads, and deal with drainage in St. John’s. Beautification is more than just tearing down old structures
    Reply
  • Jack September 21, 2025, 10:25 PM

    Toooooooooooooo many abandoned buildings have been left to rot while dragging down businesses nearby. This initiative is exactly what we need to clean things up.
    Reply
  • Apex Jones September 21, 2025, 11:15 PM

    This is not the first time I’m hearing this but still there still seems to be nothing happening. Make it happen
    Reply
  • Hmmmm September 22, 2025, 8:48 AM

    So the government wants to take people’s land under the guise of development? What guarantees are there that small property owners won’t be forced out while big investors benefit?
    Reply
  • Maki September 22, 2025, 11:39 AM

    This sounds like a land grab dressed up as urban renewal. Transparency will be key, otherwise, it will just fuel more distrust in government projects
    Reply

Submit a comment

More from Antigua and Barbuda

View section