Antigua Government to Vacate Ryan Group Building, Relocate Staff After Lockout

Antigua Government to Vacate Ryan Group Building, Relocate Staff After Lockout

Prime Minister Gaston Browne has confirmed that the government will permanently vacate the Ryan Group building on Old Parham Road and relocate affected staff, following what he described as a “hostile” lockout by the property owner over outstanding rent.

Speaking during his radio programme, the Prime Minister said Cabinet has approved the relocation of public servants to alternative government-owned facilities, including a 20,000-square-foot building in Coolidge, which will be refurbished over the next three weeks.

Temporary accommodation will also be provided in buildings near the Office of the Prime Minister and on St John’s Street.

“We’ve accepted that we’ve been thrown out,” Browne said. “We’ll move on and house our departments in more suitable, government-owned spaces.”

The lockout occurred earlier this week after the Ryan Group reportedly padlocked the premises due to arrears amounting to approximately $8 million.

Browne noted that while the government respects Sir George Ryan, a prominent businessman and landlord, the manner in which the eviction was carried out left no opportunity for negotiation.

“Ordinarily, you send a warning or cut the electricity. But when you padlock the building, that’s not a warning—that’s an eviction,” he said.

The Prime Minister used the occasion to announce a broader policy shift, revealing that the government would accelerate plans to construct a new government office complex on state-owned land.

He criticised longstanding rental arrangements with private landlords as “usurious,” stating that in many cases, the government recoups the full capital value of a building within a few years through rental payments.

“We’re spending close to $50 million annually on rent. That’s unsustainable,” Browne said. “This has happened across successive administrations, and now we must fix it.”

He added that older buildings, including the one owned by the Ryan Group, often lack proper maintenance and pose health concerns for staff, including mold and failing air-conditioning systems.

The Prime Minister also indicated that the Ministry of Finance would conduct a reconciliation of accounts with private landlords, ensuring that any rent owed is adjusted for outstanding taxes.

“This is not about attacking anyone,” Browne said. “But the government has a responsibility to act in the best interest of taxpayers, and that means reducing dependence on private rentals.”

Construction of the new office complex is expected to begin within months.

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