National Archives – By Jeressa Jeremy
National Archives Relocate Former
The Government of Antigua and Barbuda has announced the relocation of the National Archives from Factory Road to the former CIBC building at the corner of High Street and Corn Alley.
The decision, confirmed during this week’s Cabinet briefing, addresses severe structural defects and safety concerns at the current facility.
The move is being prioritized to protect the nation’s historical records from further deterioration. Director of Communications Maurice Merchant explained that the former banking facility offers unique infrastructure—specifically reinforced vaults—that will provide a secure, climate-controlled environment for sensitive documents.
“As you know, that facility was previously a bank and so there are many vaults in that facility that can store some of these records at a moderated temperature to ensure their longevity,” Merchant said.
Merchant further noted that the current facility has reached a state where it is no longer viable for long-term use. “The current facility has some structural defects which has resulted in the building being unsafe, not only for employees but also for the records that are stored there,” he explained.
In addition to the preservation benefits, the new location is expected to be more accessible to the public and due to its spacious interior, the building will accommodate a larger number of researchers and visitors, effectively turning the site into a central hub for national heritage and learning.
“There is lots of space within the facility that can accommodate visitors and so forth,” Merchant added. “As you know, it was a bank before that. It could have accommodated a large number of individuals at any one time and so it is ideal for the hosting of the National Archives.”
The Ministry of Works has already begun making the necessary adjustments to the building. “The Ministry of Works is moving immediately to make adjustments to that facility to ensure that, probably within two months or less, the Archives – at its new location in St John’s – could be opened,” Merchant stated.
This move is intended to ensure that the nation’s national records, many of which document the history and development of Antigua and Barbuda, are preserved in a more secure and suitable environment.