Public Consultation for St John’s city development yields strong turnout
Hundreds of residents participated—both in person and online—in a government-led public consultation on the proposed redevelopment and revitalisation of St. John’s, with many more tuning in via local television broadcasts.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne welcomed the level of engagement, describing the turnout and audience participation at Wednesday evening’s session at the Sir John E. St. Luce Centre as encouraging. He said the response reflected a growing public interest in partnering with the government to transform the capital.
The Prime Minister thanked those who attended and contributed to the discussion, noting that the government has been actively advancing a renewal agenda for St. John’s and views stakeholder input as central to its success.
Prime Minister Browne confirmed that additional meetings will be held with technical teams and stakeholders as work continues on the redevelopment master plan. He also committed to returning to the public for a follow-up consultation once the plan is completed, reiterating that inclusive stakeholder involvement will guide each phase of the process.
The consultation featured a ministerial panel comprising Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin, Minister of Tourism Charles Fernandez, Minister of Works Maria Browne, and Minister for Urban Development Rawdon Turner.
Representatives from several key agencies were also present, including APUA, the Development Control Authority, the Central Board of Health, the National Solid Waste Management Authority, and the St. John’s Development Corporation. Antigua Cruise Port General Manager Gasper George also took part in the discussions.
More on last night’s consultation later.
The turnout was very impressive. I’m happy the government gave them the forum to air their grievances and share ideas
This level of turnout shows that people genuinely care about the future of St. John’s. The capital has been talked about for decades, but many residents are now clearly ready to be part of the solution, not just spectators.
St. John’s is the country’s economic and cultural heart. If this process remains transparent, inclusive, and action-oriented, it could mark a turning point for a city that has long needed thoughtful and sustained renewal.
Many will also be watching closely to see whether follow-up consultations truly close the feedback loop.
Consultation matters. Development should never happen without the people