Johnson Plans to Integrate Local Workers Into Public Projects and Expand Agri-Processing

Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party candidate for St. Philip’s South Kiz Johnson says her economic vision for the constituency will center on integrating local workers into public projects while expanding small businesses, particularly in agriculture and agro-processing.

Speaking during a Know Your Candidates interview, Johnson said the constituency already has the skills needed to drive development, and her role would be to ensure residents directly benefit from government-backed initiatives.

“My way of supporting them is to get them into these roads, it’s to get them into infrastructure,” Johnson said, pointing to ongoing and planned roadworks as opportunities for employment and income generation.

She argued that many residents — including heavy-duty operators, farmers and small business owners — are already equipped to contribute but have not always been fully included in major projects.

“I say so boldly without reservation and hesitation that the people of St. Philip’s South, for every single project that we want to undertake, the people are right there in my constituency,” she said.

Johnson also highlighted agro-processing as a key area for growth, citing a local farmer who produces guava jam and currently supplies several hotels. She said the example demonstrates both the potential and the limitations of small-scale operations.

“That particular farmer says to me… right now she services about three hotels,” Johnson said, adding that the business owner is cautious about expanding too quickly for fear of not being able to meet increased demand.

Johnson said part of her plan is to provide the support needed to scale such operations, allowing more residents to move from small production to sustainable commercial activity.

“Entrepreneurship generally,” she said when asked whether her focus would be limited to agro-processing, describing the sector as just one example of broader opportunities within the constituency.

She framed the approach as part of her wider campaign message, which she has branded as “the bold way forward,” linking economic participation with long-term community development.

The April 30 general election will determine whether Johnson, a first-time candidate, can unseat the incumbent United Progressive Party representative in what is expected to be a closely watched race.

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