PM offers $50,000 reward after APUA fibre materials burned in Old Road
Prime Minister Gaston Browne has announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for setting fire to APUA fibre-optic materials in Old Road, warning that the government will not allow lawlessness to take hold.
Speaking on Pointe FM moments after news emerged of the vandalism, Browne said the reward applies to “anyone who provides information that would lead to the arrest and the conviction of the person or persons involved in setting fire to APUA’s material.”
The Prime Minister said information can be passed to any Cabinet minister or member of law enforcement, including the Commissioner of Police. He added that provisions will also be made for tips to be submitted anonymously.
“We’re taking the fight to these people,” Browne said, adding that the country “cannot allow these people to become lawless and to destroy our country.”
He repeated that the reward stands at $50,000 for information linked to both the arrest and conviction of those involved in burning the fibre-optic material being used for installation works in Old Road.
Browne said the government is committed to enforcing the law and preventing disorder, telling listeners that authorities will do “all in our power to uphold the laws of this country and to make sure that Antigua and Barbuda does not descend into chaos and confusion.”
The comments followed confirmation from the Antigua Public Utilities Authority that fibre-optic conduits and related materials were deliberately set on fire at Morris Bay, where preparatory works are underway for a subsea cable project. APUA has described the incident as deliberate vandalism and has warned that it threatens critical national infrastructure.
Police investigations into the incident are ongoing.
APUA Telecoms Business Unit Provides Update on Subsea Cable Preparatory Works at Morris Bay, Old Road
The Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA), Telecoms Business Unit, is providing an update following recent developments related to preparatory civil works for the subsea cable landing at Morris Bay, Old Road.
On October 14, 2025, APUA hosted a town hall meeting and engaged residents of Old Road in dialogue regarding the planned landing of the subsea cable at Morris Bay. These discussions formed part of APUA’s commitment to transparency and community engagement, and community feedback received at that time was largely supportive of the project.
The preparatory phase requires APUA to undertake limited civil works in the area, including the construction of a beach manhole and the establishment of an equipment shelter located opposite Morris Bay. Earlier this month, APUA Telecoms’ teams were mobilised to commence these activities.
To facilitate the works, it was necessary to cut the main road at Morris Bay to allow for the installation of conduits in preparation for the subsea cable. This required a temporary traffic diversion. Due to the interruption of works, the duration of the diversion has been extended, resulting in increased inconvenience to motorists and residents. APUA sincerely apologises for this inconvenience and assures the public that every effort will be made to complete the required works as efficiently as possible once it is safe to do so.
On Wednesday, December 10, 2025, while APUA personnel were on site, an unrelated situation involving residents and the Development Control Authority arose in the same vicinity. APUA teams returned to the site on Thursday, December 11, 2025, but were again required to withdraw in the interest of safety. As tensions escalated, work was suspended to protect personnel and the public.
When teams returned to the area on Friday, December 12, 2025, to resume operations, it was discovered that conduits and other project materials had been deliberately set on fire. Preliminary assessments indicate that the damage amounts to several thousand dollars.
APUA strongly condemns any actions that compromise the safety of its workers, as well as the destruction of property. The Authority remains deeply concerned about ensuring that its teams are able to operate in a safe and non-hostile environment while carrying out essential national infrastructure works.
Despite this setback, APUA reaffirms its commitment to the residents of Old Road and to continued engagement grounded in cooperation, dialogue, and mutual respect. The subsea cable project represents a critical national investment that will significantly enhance Antigua and Barbuda’s digital resilience, supporting ecommerce, business continuity, education, and overall economic development.
All citizens stand to benefit from this project once it is commissioned, with full operational launch expected in 2027. APUA therefore appeals for calm and cooperation and respectfully calls on all parties to desist from further damage to project assets, as the Authority works to recover from this incident and continue the project in accordance with established timelines and in the national interest.
