The Antigua and Barbuda government intends to provide paint to assist property owners in improving the appearance of buildings in St. John’s as part of a wider initiative to beautify and redevelop the capital.
The initiative was among the measures discussed by Cabinet as the government moves to address the physical condition of buildings and public spaces, beginning with High Street.
Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant outlined the plans during Thursday’s post-Cabinet media briefing, saying the administration wants to improve the appearance of the capital through cooperation with property owners and government agencies.
The proposed assistance would involve making paint available to support improvements to building exteriors, while encouraging owners to take responsibility for maintaining their properties.
The initiative forms part of a broader redevelopment programme being coordinated by three Cabinet ministers: Melford Nicholas, Rawdon Turner and Maria Browne.
The ministers have been tasked with overseeing improvements to St. John’s, bringing together responsibilities for infrastructure, urban development and other government services.
High Street, one of the capital’s principal commercial areas, has been identified as the starting point for the programme.
The government’s approach is intended to improve the appearance of commercial and other buildings while creating a more attractive environment for residents, businesses and visitors.
Cabinet also wants greater cooperation among the agencies responsible for maintaining and developing the capital.
Merchant clarified that the government is not currently considering merging the St. John’s Development Corporation with other agencies, despite discussions about improving coordination.
Instead, the administration intends to strengthen cooperation among existing entities to advance the redevelopment programme.
The proposed paint assistance is expected to complement other improvements planned for the capital, although the government has not announced how much paint will be provided, which property owners will qualify or when distribution will begin.
No specific budget has been disclosed for the initiative.
The government has identified the improvement of St. John’s as a priority, with the beautification of buildings expected to form part of a longer-term effort to modernize the capital and improve its overall appearance.
Source: Antigua News Room Antigua Government to Provide Paint to Improve Appearance of Buildings in St. John's.