Prime Minister Gaston Browne toured the Booby Alley Housing Project in the Point community on Wednesday, expressing strong satisfaction with construction progress as the development moves toward completion. According to Antigua News Room, the Prime Minister was joined by Chinese Ambassador to Antigua and Barbuda, Her Excellency Jiang Wei, and other representatives of the Government of the People's Republic of China.
Browne said he was "very pleased with the progress made so far," describing the project as more than a housing initiative. He characterized it as a pathway to renewed dignity and opportunity for residents of the Point community.
The Prime Minister praised the bilateral partnership with China, highlighting the Chinese Government's significant financial contribution to the project. He underscored that the development stands as a model of international cooperation, one that delivers tangible improvements to citizens' lives while revitalizing one of the country's historic communities.
Ambassador Jiang Wei also expressed satisfaction with the steady pace of construction, commending the collaborative efforts between both nations and the dedication of the on-site construction teams. She reaffirmed China's commitment to supporting sustainable development in Antigua and Barbuda, describing the project as a reflection of the strong and enduring friendship between the two countries.
The Booby Alley Housing Project is funded through a major grant from the Government of China and is designed to deliver approximately 150 modern, condominium-style homes. The units will replace older, substandard structures in the Point community and will feature climate-resilient construction and improved infrastructure.
The housing units are intended primarily for residents of the Point community, particularly those who lived in the former Booby Alley area under challenging or informal housing conditions. The government's plan prioritizes the relocation and regularization of existing residents, giving long-standing families access to safe, modern homes. Remaining units will be made available through a structured rent-to-own arrangement.
The project forms a key pillar of the government's broader urban renewal programme. Both leaders concluded the tour by reaffirming their shared commitment to the project's successful completion and its lasting positive impact on the people of the Point community. The development is anticipated to be completed later this year.
