Prime Minister Gaston Browne has publicly acknowledged that St John's City West was deliberately left behind during previous phases of road development, pledging a comprehensive overhaul of roads, drainage systems and curbs across the constituency. According to Antigua News Room, Browne confirmed that Public Works crews are already on the ground and have been instructed to remain until all roads in the area are completed.
"The crew that is there currently should continue until all of the roads in St John's City West, all of the roads in Point and Villa, are paved," Browne said, offering residents assurances that longstanding infrastructure deficiencies will be fully addressed.
The Prime Minister did not shy away from accepting responsibility for the delays, stating that the constituency was intentionally placed at the back of the queue during earlier infrastructure rollouts. "As a captain, I had chosen to leave St John's City West for last," he said, explaining that the sequencing of national projects had directed resources elsewhere.
He further noted that the calling of early elections compounded the delays, leaving residents to contend with deteriorating roads and infrastructure longer than anticipated. "Whereas they've had to contend with poor infrastructure for the last two terms, this time around we're starting early," Browne said.
The upgrade programme extends beyond road resurfacing. Work includes drainage systems and curbing, targeting persistent problems such as flooding, erosion and long-term structural durability. Crews have already begun work on key routes including Bishopsgate Street and North Street, with additional areas to follow as teams move systematically through the constituency.
Browne also highlighted progress in utilities, noting that sections of Point have already benefited from re-piping works that improved water quality — an issue residents had raised for years due to ageing infrastructure.
Looking ahead, the Prime Minister framed the infrastructure push as part of a broader transformation of St John's City West into a major economic and commercial hub. He pointed to ongoing and planned developments — including port expansion, cruise infrastructure and private sector investment — as drivers of increased economic activity that make modern infrastructure essential.
"The area is fast becoming a true city," Browne said, adding that improved roads and supporting infrastructure will be central to facilitating business growth, mobility and investment. His broader vision sees City West evolving into one of the country's most significant economic zones, anchored by transshipment operations, commercial expansion and urban renewal.
Seeking to reassure constituents, Browne indicated that the renewed infrastructure focus signals a clear shift in priorities for the term ahead. "At the end of the day, we have the influence and the power to make it happen," he said.
