PM Browne announces Shell Beach lots for locals (photo by Google)
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced that the Government of Antigua and Barbuda will make 55 residential lots available at Shell Beach for local citizens, creating a new opportunity for Antiguans and Barbudans to invest in the tourism sector through Airbnb-style accommodation.
The announcement was made during the Prime Minister’s feature address at the launch of the ACB Invest Programme/Unit, hosted by Antigua Commercial Bank (ACB Caribbean).
Prime Minister Browne said the initiative is expected to begin as early as next week, signaling the government’s continued push to expand economic opportunities for citizens through property ownership and entrepreneurship. He described Shell Beach as a highly desirable location, noting that the lots are either beachfront or close to the shoreline, making them ideal for small-scale tourism accommodation.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne speaking at the launch of the ACB Invest Programme/Unit
To support the development, the Prime Minister announced that the government will offer tax and duty-free waivers on building materials, fixtures, and fittings. He said the incentives form part of a broader wealth-creation strategy aimed at helping citizens build assets, generate income, and achieve long-term financial security.
Highlighting the growing importance of short-term rentals, Prime Minister Browne noted that Airbnb-style accommodations now account for an estimated 35 percent of visitor stays in Antigua and Barbuda. He said the Shell Beach initiative provides a practical entry point into the tourism market for locals who may not have the capital to invest in large hotel or resort developments.
While emphasizing that major hotel projects remain vital to tourism growth, the Prime Minister said enabling individuals to construct modest, well-appointed investment properties, potentially including small pools and modern amenities, allows ordinary citizens to benefit more directly from the sector’s expansion.
He added that the initiative aligns with the government’s vision of building a “stakeholder society,” where increased local ownership strengthens economic resilience, promotes inclusive growth, and supports long-term, intergenerational prosperity.
Good idea, but government must ensure housing for locals doesn’t get pushed out by rentals.
Airbnb helping a lot of families already. Government supporting that makes sense.
Something about land and property this government loves
This could help young people build something instead of depending on one job
Yeh yeh I’m sure the land have owners already like those on Frairs Hill road. They just making the public announcement for formality. So school children say
Exactly what I was thinking. You can bet on it!
I like the idea, but please make sure regular Antiguans can actually afford these lots.
What does the government’s concessionary offer package look like for local investment? I hope that the local gets a better concession deal than YIDA and the other foreign investors.
Hope the process simple and not full of red tape, because that does discourage people
As long as locals get first priority, I support it6