The government of Antigua and Barbuda has confirmed that Chucka Caribbean, a Jamaica-based company, remains committed to developing Fort Barrington into a tourist attraction, despite delays in moving the project forward.
Chief of Staff Lionel Max Hurst told Monday’s post-Cabinet press briefing that representatives from Chucka Caribbean visited Antigua earlier this year and reaffirmed their interest in proceeding with the development.
“They assured us that they continue to have the necessary capital to complete the project,” Hurst said.
The proposed project, though smaller in scale compared to the multi-million-dollar resort developments underway elsewhere on the island, is seen as an important part of the government’s strategy to expand Antigua’s tourism offerings beyond traditional beach destinations.
Hurst explained that the Fort Barrington initiative would enhance Antigua’s portfolio of historic sites, creating new opportunities for economic spin-offs through visitor traffic, small business development, and cultural promotion.
He added that while large-scale investments, such as the redevelopment of Jolly Beach, attract significant attention, smaller projects like Fort Barrington are equally valuable for strengthening the tourism sector and supporting local livelihoods.
The Fort Barrington project was initially announced as part of wider efforts to revitalise historical sites around the island. No updated timeline for the start of construction has been provided.
