Antigua and Barbuda has moved closer to strengthening its environmental safeguards with the hosting of a National Priority Workshop on Hazardous Waste Management at the Antigua and Barbuda Hospitality Training Institute on October 2, 2025. The event, held in partnership with the Basel Convention Regional Centre for Training and Technology Transfer for the Caribbean (BCRC–Caribbean), forms part of the GEF ISLANDS Programme, which promotes sustainable, non-chemical development across the region.

The workshop focused on developing a National Hazardous Waste Strategy and Roadmap to improve institutional capacity and establish clear steps for handling dangerous waste streams. Participants emphasized that hazardous waste is a national risk that cannot be ignored, with medical waste highlighted as a particularly pressing challenge.

Serving as both a review and planning forum, the session allowed stakeholders to validate data, identify gaps, and set national priorities, while also engaging in dialogue with regional experts. The day concluded with a Country Engagement Forum led by BCRC–Caribbean, ensuring that Antigua and Barbuda’s efforts align with broader Caribbean initiatives.

Officials noted that the workshop marked an important step in building a stronger, more coordinated framework for hazardous waste management, reinforcing Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to protecting both people and the environment.