PM Browne Hails Booby Alley Project as Antigua’s Most Significant Social Project for Vulnerable Communities

Prime Minister Gaston Browne on Monday hailed the groundbreaking of the Booby Alley housing project, calling it “the most significant social developmental project that has taken place in the history of Antigua and Barbuda.”

He said the ambitious initiative aims to transform one of the nation’s most impoverished areas into a climate-resilient, modern community and represents a major step forward in sustainable, affordable housing for Antigua and Barbuda’s vulnerable populations.

The Booby Alley project, located on a three-acre site in St. John’s, will provide 150 modern, condominium-style homes with waterfront views and eco-friendly features.

Browne credited the People’s Republic of China, whose approximately XC$100 million grant made the project possible. “Without China’s generous support, this project would have remained a distant goal,” he noted, emphasizing the critical role of China’s partnership in realizing Antigua’s vision of community transformation.

In his address, Browne acknowledged the long-standing issues in Booby Alley, where dilapidated homes and poor sanitation have affected over 130 families for years.

He recalled his previous efforts to alleviate these issues over two decades ago by securing funds to pave alleys and improve drainage. “We brought some temporary relief then, but it was always our vision to transform this area completely,” he said. However, Browne noted that despite initial improvements, substantial funding for a full redevelopment remained out of reach until China’s recent contribution.

Browne also underscored the importance of discipline and responsibility among future residents, calling on them to maintain a clean, organized, and drug-free environment.

“Creating a higher standard for our most vulnerable communities isn’t just about providing homes; it’s about empowering residents to live in dignity,” he emphasized.

The Prime Minister expressed hope that Booby Alley would serve as a prototype for similar projects across the nation, promising a new standard of living that extends beyond Booby Alley to other urban areas in need of renewal.

Reflecting on the resistance and challenges faced during the project’s development, Browne highlighted his administration’s perseverance. “Some exploited residents’ genuine fears, encouraging them to act against their own interests,” he explained.

However, he believes the project’s long-term benefits are now evident to all. “It was tears then, but it will be cheers later,” he remarked, echoing his colleague Sir Charles Max Fernandez’s words.

“Ultimately, the people of Booby Alley will thank us for what we’re doing here today.”

Browne urged Booby Alley residents to take pride in their new homes, considering the legacy they are building for future generations.

He encouraged them to view the project as an opportunity to create intergenerational wealth and stability. “This isn’t just about the present,” he noted, “it’s about ensuring our children and grandchildren inherit a community they can be proud of.”

In a message to the community, Browne stated, “I encourage you not to settle for poverty or underdevelopment.” He added, “We should all strive to be a prideful people, to maintain our surroundings and respect the gifts we’re given.” He emphasized that by maintaining this community’s standard, residents would set a model for future projects and contribute to the nation’s broader goal of raising the quality of life for all citizens.

The Prime Minister affirmed his government’s ongoing commitment to revitalizing Antigua and Barbuda’s urban areas, stating, “As we build this new community in Booby Alley, we’re showing our determination to empower every citizen, particularly the most vulnerable.”

With Booby Alley as a model, Browne’s administration aims to replicate this success in other communities, signaling a new era of sustainable housing solutions and enhanced living standards throughout the nation.

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