The Barnacle Point Reverse Osmosis Plant has officially opened its doors, promising to provide residents of Antigua and Barbuda with a reliable water supply for years to come.

The commissioning ceremony featured distinguished guests, including Governor General Sir Rodney Williams, Utilities Minister Melford Nicholas, Foreign Affairs Minister Chet Greene, and Tourism Minister Max Fernandez.

Barnacle Point Opening Ceremony attendees (screenshot of state media)

The project was made possible through a partnership between the Antigua and Barbuda Public Utilities Authority (APUA) and Seven Seas Water Group, a company based in Florida.

Mr. Jason Peters, head of APUA’s water business unit, delivered the opening remarks.

“Today marks a significant milestone in our nation’s journey towards sustainable resilience and responsible stewardship of our most precious resource—water,” stated Peters.

“In a small island developing state like ours, water is not just a utility; it is essential for life.”

Jason Peters, Acting Manager of APUA Water Business Unit (screenshot of state media)

APUA CEO John Bradshaw conveyed his pride in this accomplishment, acknowledging the commitment of numerous team members who played a significant role in bringing the Barnacle Point plant to fruition.

He spoke of the nation’s history of water woes, reminiscing about past challenges like obsolete infrastructure, drought, and the importing of water from Dominica. He also acknowledged that there is much more work to be done. 

John Bradshaw, CEO of APUA (screenshot of state media)

“We are committed to enhancing the water supply in Antigua and Barbuda,” affirmed Bradshaw. “We are very proud, we are very happy where we are, but the work has not ended as yet. The work will end when everybody – when they turn their tap – will have water.”

CEO of Seven Seas Water Group, Henry Charrabe, expressed glowing praise for the leadership of the Utilities Ministry in making this moment possible. He emphasized what a privilege it was to contribute to providing the people of Antigua & Barbuda with the most essential element of life: fresh drinking water.

“This is what a successful ‘P-3’ – a public/private partnership – looks like. This is where the private sector, where the public sector comes together. Where engineers from APUA and Seven Seas Water work together. We delivered on a prospect, and a project and a promise that we made to the people that we get to serve,” said Charrabe.

Henry Charrabe, CEO of Seven Seas Water Group (screenshot of state media)

“We are very grateful for the trust all of you have placed in us, and we promise you that we will repay that trust with every drop of water, and the journey has just begun.”

Utilities Minister Melford Nicholas emphasized the importance of enhancing the nation’s water infrastructure as a key part of his political agenda, stating that upgrading water systems has been a priority since the start of his tenure.

“I came to the job here at APUA and the first task that I had was to tell them what my top five objectives were; and my top five objectives for that first meeting, and that first year – and that first engagement – was ‘water, water, water, water, and water’,” said Nicholas.

Minister Melford Nicholas and Minister Chet Greene (screenshot of state media)

Although acknowledging that this is just one of many milestones on the path to the ultimate objective, Minister Nicholas emphasized repeatedly his intentions to achieve extraordinary results in resolving the nation’s water woes for good.

“For the time being – until the people from St. John’s City East, or the Prime Minister makes an alternate decision – for the time being, I will remain the “unreasonable minister” that pushes the utility in the direction of its highest ideals. We are going to achieve higher and higher standards, I promise you that.”

The Barnacle Point plant, currently generating 2 million gallons of water each day, is the second commissioned Reverse Osmosis Plant resulting from the collaboration between Seven Seas Water Group and APUA.

The first plant, located at Ffrye’s Beach, is currently responsible for producing up to 1 million gallons per day of the nation’s potable water.

This expansion marks a substantial enhancement in the nation’s ability to fulfill its water requirements – especially important for an island nation that continually faces challenges related to drought conditions.

In the case of Barnacle Point, and Ffryes Beach plant as well, this achievement serves as a reminder of the power of collaboration in the relentless pursuit of progress for the betterment of society.