Prime Minister Gaston Browne has issued a call to citizens to take greater responsibility for keeping the environment clean as the nation’s tourism sector continues to expand.

Speaking at the unveiling of the new cruise terminal on Thursday, Browne addressed concerns about littering and derelict properties, emphasizing that environmental aesthetics are crucial to the country’s tourism product.

“First of all, our people must learn to keep the environment clean. There’s too much indiscriminate dumping of garbage, too many derelict homes, and those issues that we’re actively addressing, we’re breaking down the derelict homes, and at the same time, we’ll be making an effort to beautify common spaces, public spaces, and to just lift the standard of living for Antigua and Barbudans and visiting visitors,” Browne stated.

The Prime Minister emphasized that while the government is investing heavily in infrastructure and services, citizens must reciprocate by maintaining high standards of service and environmental care.

“We want Antigua and Barbuda to be a pristine country with a beautiful environment, one in which our people earn good incomes, one in which our people are able to take care of their mortgage expenses, take care of the obligations of their children, one in which they enjoy good educational opportunities, and also good healthcare facilities,” he said.

Browne stressed that government investments in the tourism sector are ultimately aimed at improving the quality of life for all Antiguans and Barbudans, but that success requires partnership between the public and private sectors as well as civic responsibility from citizens.

“We’re investing heavily in our people, but our people now have to reciprocate. They have to provide the best possible service they can, while at the same time keeping our country clean and beautiful,” the Prime Minister said.

The call for environmental stewardship comes as Antigua and Barbuda positions itself as a premier Caribbean cruise destination, with the newly opened terminal expected to welcome significantly increased visitor numbers in the coming years.

Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez had earlier acknowledged the transformation of the port area, noting that when the government assumed office eleven years ago, the waterfront was littered with sunken barges and boats, creating an unsightly appearance that embarrassed officials.

With major cruise infrastructure investments now complete and additional developments planned for Barbuda, Barnacle Point, and other locations over the next three to five years, government officials are emphasizing the importance of maintaining environmental standards to match the upgraded facilities.