Christian Valley is set for a major upgrade under a government plan to develop new eco-lodges and agrotourism facilities in collaboration with the University of the West Indies (UWI), Agriculture Minister Anthony Smith told Parliament during the Budget Debate.
Smith said the ministry will “be building out at Christian Valley… an agro-park” that will serve both educational and tourism functions.
The development will include hiking trails, landscaped green areas and what he described as a “mega dam” to enhance the site’s appeal and utility.
He said the Prime Minister has already spoken to the addition of eco-lodges at the site. “Some very affordable wooden structures that Antiguans and Barbudans can invest in. They can build out.
They can take part in our tourism industry,” Smith told the House.
According to the minister, the project is designed to create a natural, calm space for local visitors while supporting hands-on training for UWI students in agriculture, ecosystem management and agrotourism.
“Even when you have the time on the weekend, you can always still go and visit it and stay there… such a nice and calming environment,” he said.
Smith said the eco-lodges and park facilities will contribute to long-term sector growth.
“These initiatives will create new jobs. They will attract investment and solidify Antigua and Barbuda as a regional leader in sustainable agro-industrial development,” he said.
