ABS set for Caribbean Cinemas move by June

Antigua and Barbuda Broadcasting Service is on track to relocate to the Caribbean Cinemas building by June, with Minister responsible for the national broadcaster, Melford Nicholas confirming that an agreement between the government and the building’s proprietor has been finalised.

Nicholas, who holds the portfolio for Information Communication Technologies, Utilities and Energy, made the disclosure during an appearance on ABS’s Monday Meeting with the Minister, describing the ABS relocation as a longstanding personal challenge within his tenure.

“This has been my Achilles heel,” Nicholas said. “I have expended much energy over the years in two particular areas — one having to do with the Sunshine Car Park Hub, which is still a development plan for it to become the permanent home for ABS.”

The national broadcaster has been operating from temporary locations, including the Parliament building and the Cecil Building, after the Antigua and Barbuda Trades and Labour Union raised health and safety concerns about the existing ABS facility.

Staff have been dispersed across multiple sites as a result.

Nicholas said the push to secure the Caribbean Cinemas building began in November last year, and that the agreement had now advanced to the stage where technical work could commence.

He added that Public Works has provided drawings for the new facility and that the technical team is actively working on plans.

He noted, however, that new equipment investments would be required, as existing ABS equipment would not be sufficient for the new studio setup.

Beyond the Caribbean Cinemas move, Nicholas reaffirmed his commitment to a long-term, purpose-built facility for ABS at the Sunshine Car Park Hub, describing it as the preferred permanent solution.

“I think it’s going to be the best facility for ABS, where there’s no rent, and it’s just going to be a purpose-built facility designed for state broadcast,” he said, adding that he considered ABS one of the best-performing institutions within the entire government.