Crime, Cost of Living, Water, Roads and Healthcare top list of concerns for Antiguans in 2024

ANR asked over 100 residents what are their major concerns as 2024 gets going:

Antiguan Residents Express Concerns for 2024: A Plea for Change

As the new year unfolds, Antiguan residents have voiced their concerns and shared their perspectives on the challenges facing the island in 2024.

Gsmart Peters initiated the conversation, urging fellow citizens to appreciate what they have and to be more grateful. However, others quickly steered the discussion towards the pressing issues that need attention.

Cost of living emerged as a recurring theme, with multiple residents expressing their worries about the high expenses in Antigua.

Sharonda Wyllie and Jemima Thomas echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for improvements in the country.

Sadie Shesounusual White pointed to a critical issue of social security owing to many people, urging authorities to address this financial challenge.

Meanwhile, Firstqueenz Richards highlighted concerns about healthcare, noting that facilities like clinics are being taken for granted, and crime rates are increasing.

Niron Gallimore Yisrael touched upon various issues, advocating for improvements in the water situation, roads, and the private sector’s treatment of workers. Gallimore also suggested the need for a severance protection bill to secure workers’ rights.

The rising crime rate was a significant worry for many residents.

Melesa Joseph emphasized the need to address crimes in schools urgently, while Royal Gee pointed to the general increase in crimes in the country.

Lisa Peters expressed concern about the persistence of issues, predicting that the list of concerns will only grow in the coming years if the current patterns persist.

Health-related concerns were also raised, with Moira Decastro highlighting personal health, and RJ Lewis emphasizing the crisis in the hospital.

Several residents expressed dissatisfaction with the current political leadership, with Amis Pennyfeather specifically calling out Prime Minister Gaston Browne.

Infrastructure concerns, including the state of roads, garbage disposal, and the appearance of St. John’s, were raised by multiple residents like Blondel Brinkman and Amp Hunte.

Crime and the cost of living were reiterated by numerous residents, including Kelesha T Martin, Dwayne Joseph, and Judy-Ann Bartley Thomas.

As the diverse concerns were voiced, it is clear that Antiguan residents are calling for action on multiple fronts, including addressing the cost of living, improving healthcare and infrastructure, and tackling the rising crime rates.

The collective plea is for a better Antigua in 2024, with hopes that their concerns will not go unheard.