{"id":252560,"date":"2025-10-05T12:55:52","date_gmt":"2025-10-05T16:55:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/?p=252560"},"modified":"2025-10-05T16:59:37","modified_gmt":"2025-10-05T20:59:37","slug":"pm-browne-declares-war-on-litter-abandoned-buildings-and-public-neglect","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/pm-browne-declares-war-on-litter-abandoned-buildings-and-public-neglect\/","title":{"rendered":"VIDEO: PM Browne Declares War on Litter, Abandoned Buildings, and Public Neglect"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Prime Minister Gaston Browne<\/a> is calling on citizens to take greater responsibility for keeping their surroundings clean, describing the national clean-up and beautification campaign <\/a>as a shared duty to restore pride and order across the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Speaking on the Browne and Browne Show<\/em> on Pointe FM, Browne said the government\u2019s island-wide initiative, led by the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF)<\/a> in collaboration with the Solid Waste Authority, Ministry of Health, and Ministry of Works, is long overdue. <\/p>

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He said it aims to tackle \u201cthe awful\u201d levels of litter,<\/a> derelict vehicles<\/a>, and abandoned properties that have become health and safety hazards.<\/p>

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\u201cThe indiscriminate dumping of litter is a problem,\u201d Browne said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m begging our people \u2014 this is the 21st century. You\u2019re telling me that people are still taking their bulk waste and dumping them in green spaces when nobody\u2019s looking? That\u2019s inappropriate.<\/p>

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There\u2019s a landfill. Take it to the landfill.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Prime Minister said the campaign was designed not only to clean but also to beautify Antigua and Barbuda<\/a>, noting that the ABDF and prisoners would assist in planting flowering and fruit trees along major roads.<\/p>

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\u201cWe\u2019re not only cleaning; we\u2019re also going to beautify,\u201d he said. <\/p>

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\u201cWhen you drive along the road, we want you to feel proud being in Antigua.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our vision is for citizens to enjoy living standards that are second to none.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Browne announced that the government intends to introduce legislation allowing for the demolition of derelict buildings<\/strong> and for cleanup costs to be attached to the land.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He stressed that the measure is not meant to dispossess owners but to eliminate eyesores and health risks that \u201cgive a poor impression of the country.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He also encouraged residents to play their part by maintaining their homes and surroundings, saying that personal responsibility is central to the nation\u2019s development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cEach of us must take responsibility. The government can\u2019t do everything,\u201d Browne said. \u201cEven beautifying your home \u2014 no matter how small or modest \u2014 is important. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Put a few little plants in front of your house. It\u2019s not hard to maintain.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Prime Minister said the initiative goes beyond aesthetics, linking cleanliness and civic pride to the country\u2019s broader economic and social progress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe\u2019re doing very well economically, but the country must reflect the extent of the wealth within it,\u201d he said. \u201cThe litter is awful and we have to address it as a matter of urgency.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Browne added that he expects the cleanup effort to foster a renewed sense of national pride and community engagement. \u201cThis is about pride, presentation, and progress,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe all have a part to play in making Antigua and Barbuda beautiful again.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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