Prime Minister Gaston Browne says the National Performing Arts Centre is valued at approximately EC$25 million, while placing the cost to the public at between EC$10 million and EC$12 million after accounting for grants and equity in the property.
Prime Minister Explains Million
Speaking on the Browne and Browne programme on Saturday, Oct. 24, Browne outlined the acquisition and improvements behind his estimate for the former Deluxe cinema building.
He said the government acquired the property eight years ago by assuming an outstanding EC$6 million loan with ACB rather than making an equivalent cash payment.
“All we did was to assume the loan. And we’re still paying for that loan,” Browne said.
He said the balance had been significantly reduced and estimated that approximately two years remained on what he recalled was a 10-year loan.
Browne distinguished the debt assumed by the government from the value of the property acquired. He said the building had been valued at approximately EC$11 million, including equipment.
Excluding about EC$1 million in equipment, he placed the property’s value at EC$10 million, describing the difference between that figure and the EC$6 million loan as EC$4 million in equity.
Browne said Philip Morris contributed approximately EC$4.5 million towards the development, while the United Arab Emirates provided nearly EC$1 million in grant funding.
The government also spent approximately EC$3 million on audiovisual facilities, he said.
Adding labour, seating, furnishings and other equipment brought his estimate of the completed facility’s value to nearly EC$25 million.
“So in essence, we would have delivered to the people of Antigua and Barbuda a facility that is valued at 25 million but only costs the people about 12 million,” Browne said.
His explanation combined the property’s estimated value with contributions and development costs. He did not present an itemised final expenditure statement during the programme.
Browne defended the original acquisition against criticism that it amounted to a bailout of the former owners. He argued that the government had secured an opportunity to create a lasting public facility from a building designed for cinema use.
He said the centre would support the development of local performers and help create opportunities for artists to earn sustainable incomes.
The government’s plans extend beyond the theatre, Browne said. He reported that the neighbouring former Gloria’s building had been acquired for an arts studio and that he had instructed officials to acquire another adjacent property.
Possible uses for the additional space include dance and other arts studios, although he did not announce a final design or budget for that expansion.
PM suggests air conditioning requirement for passenger buses in Antigua and Barbuda
ST. JOHN’S, Antigua — Prime Minister Gaston Browne has suggested that air conditioning should become a requirement for passenger buses in Antigua and Barbuda, citing repeated heatwaves and climate change.
Browne raised the possibility on the Browne and Browne programme on Saturday, Oct. 24, after a caller complained about conditions on public transportation, including the lack of air conditioning.
The caller also asked about bus operators’ responsibilities to passengers in the event of injuries or accidents.
Browne said he believed insurance provided public liability coverage, before addressing whether air conditioning was considered during licence renewals.
“I don’t think that’s one of the areas that they probably look for when they’re renewing their licence, but perhaps in the context of all these heatwaves and so on, in the context of climate change, that should now be a requirement,” he said.
His comments signalled support for considering a requirement. He did not announce an approved policy, implementation date or details of how it would be enforced.
The exchange followed complaints from the same caller about the condition of the East and West bus stations in St. John’s.
Browne accepted that the terminals needed attention and pledged to place their condition on Cabinet’s agenda for Wednesday, Oct. 28.
He said the government would address structural deficiencies, while passengers and operators also had a responsibility to keep the facilities clean.
No budget or timetable for the station upgrades was announced.
Existing power contracts slowing Antigua and Barbuda’s renewable energy transition, PM says
ST. JOHN’S, Antigua — Prime Minister Gaston Browne says existing fossil fuel power contracts with APC and EIG are slowing Antigua and Barbuda’s transition to renewable electricity as the government considers a major expansion of solar generation.
Speaking on the Browne and Browne programme on Saturday, Oct. 24, Browne identified the agreements as part of the difficulty in moving more quickly towards alternative energy sources.
“I have to admit that part of our problem in terms of how fast we can transition, we have these fossil fuel contracts with APC and EIG,” he said.
Browne did not outline the terms or expiry dates of the contracts, or announce any agreement to amend them.
He argued that falling renewable energy costs had strengthened the case for accelerating the transition, particularly during periods of high oil prices.
The prime minister said dependence on imported fossil fuels exposed consumers and the government to price increases, while renewable generation could provide greater stability.
“By transitioning into renewables, we will have greater price stability in the future,” he said.
Browne acknowledged public frustration over electricity costs, referring to a recent protest against APUA. He said international fuel prices were driving the pressure.
The government is considering installing approximately 40 to 50 megawatts of solar capacity within two years, he said, while retaining diesel generating equipment as backup.
Browne said existing engines could support electricity supplies when renewable output falls or equipment is affected by other disruptions. He also acknowledged that battery storage limitations meant conventional generation would remain necessary.
“You still need base load. You still need the diesel power,” he said.
The prime minister linked the national plans to a wider financing initiative he has been helping to advance within the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States.
He outlined possible funding from central bank loans, climate grants and public and private investment to help countries expand renewable generation. Those arrangements have not been finalised.
Browne also said the ownership structure under consideration would give Antiguans and Barbudans an opportunity to buy shares in the renewable energy venture.
He did not announce a final project cost, construction start date or timetable for resolving the contractual obstacles he identified.
Sweeney Alley waterfront plan could include boardwalk and shops
ST. JOHN’S, Antigua — A waterfront development concept for Sweeney Alley could include a boardwalk connecting Heritage Quay and Point Wharf, along with shops providing business opportunities, Prime Minister Gaston Browne said.
Speaking on the Browne and Browne programme on Saturday, Oct. 24, Browne said the concept was being developed and that he expected to share further details with the public in a few weeks.
He outlined a waterfront route that would allow visitors to walk from Heritage Quay towards Point Wharf, with commercial spaces along the way.
“We’re thinking about putting in some shops in particular to assist locals and even others who may not be locals to ply their trade,” Browne said.
The prime minister also raised the possibility of accommodating small boats along the waterfront, while indicating that the facilities had not been settled.
“I’d like you to help to advise us what type of facilities we need to have there,” he told a caller.
“I don’t know if we should also make some provision for a few small boats operating on the waterfront there.”
The caller suggested water taxis, prompting discussion about possible connections involving Heritage Quay and Fort James. Browne acknowledged the suggestion, but did not announce a water taxi service or confirm that boat facilities would form part of the final design.
The discussion presented the development as an opportunity to extend visitor activity along the St. John’s waterfront and create space for businesses in Antigua and Barbuda.
Browne did not announce a project budget, construction timetable, number of shops or arrangements for allocating commercial spaces.
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