A long-discussed proposal to introduce paid parking in St. John’s has not yet reached the Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda, despite public debate over the plan earlier this year, the government confirmed Thursday.
Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant said the Cabinet is still awaiting a formal submission from the St. John’s Development Corporation (SJDC), the agency expected to lead the initiative.
“We are awaiting a proposal from the St. John’s Development Corporation.
That proposal has not reached the Cabinet as yet,” Merchant said during the post-Cabinet briefing.
The proposal, once submitted, would mark the first time Cabinet formally considers introducing paid parking in the capital—a policy that has drawn both support and criticism from businesses, commuters and residents concerned about congestion, limited parking spaces and the impact on downtown commerce.
Merchant did not indicate when SJDC is expected to finalize or forward the proposal, and no details on potential rates, zones or implementation timelines have been shared publicly.
The issue is likely to gain renewed attention as the Christmas shopping season approaches and as government agencies continue broader discussions on urban management, traffic flow and public-space regulation.
Cabinet is expected to revisit the matter once the proposal is formally submitted.
