Preparatory works for Antigua and Barbuda’s subsea cable project at Morris Bay, Old Road, were thrown into turmoil after project materials were deliberately set on fire, forcing the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) to suspend operations over safety concerns.

APUA says when its Telecoms teams returned to the site on Friday, December 12, they discovered that conduits and other materials installed for the project had been destroyed by fire. Preliminary assessments estimate the damage at several thousand dollars.

The Authority strongly condemned the actions, warning that the destruction of equipment and the escalation of tensions place both workers and the public at serious risk.

According to APUA, the incident followed a series of disruptions at the site earlier in the week. On Wednesday, December 10, while APUA personnel were present, an unrelated confrontation involving residents and the Development Control Authority occurred in the same area. Teams returned on Thursday, December 11, but were again required to withdraw as tensions intensified, prompting a suspension of works in the interest of safety.

Sabotaged trenches that were dug, filled back up with dirt

The civil works form part of preparatory activities for the landing of a subsea cable at Morris Bay. These include the construction of a beach manhole and the establishment of an equipment shelter opposite the beach. APUA Telecoms’ teams were mobilised earlier this month to begin those works.

To facilitate the installation of conduits, APUA was required to cut the main road at Morris Bay, resulting in a temporary traffic diversion. However, repeated interruptions have extended the duration of the diversion, increasing inconvenience to motorists and residents. APUA has apologised for the disruption and says it will move quickly to complete the works once conditions are safe.

The Authority noted that it previously engaged residents of Old Road during a town hall meeting held on October 14, 2025, as part of its commitment to transparency and community consultation. APUA says feedback at that time was largely supportive of the subsea cable project.

Despite the setback, APUA reaffirmed its commitment to continued engagement with residents, stressing the importance of cooperation, dialogue, and mutual respect. The subsea cable project is described as a critical national investment aimed at strengthening Antigua and Barbuda’s digital resilience and supporting commerce, education, and economic development.

The project is expected to become fully operational in 2027. APUA has appealed for calm and cooperation and has called on all parties to refrain from further damage to project assets as efforts continue to restore the site and advance the project in the national interest.

Trench-work intentionally sabotaged with plywood