Investigation Underway After Chinese Worker Dies at Booby Alley Site
A Chinese construction worker has died following a workplace accident at the Booby Alley redevelopment project in St John’s, prompting an investigation and renewed scrutiny over occupational safety standards.
The incident occurred while the man was erecting a scaffold that reportedly came into contact with a high-tension wire. He was electrocuted and fell from a height. He succumbed to his injuries within two hours. Another worker who was with him sustained minor injuries.
Chief of Staff Ambassador Lionel Hurst confirmed during Thursday’s post-Cabinet media briefing that a full investigation is now underway, and a report is expected to be presented to Cabinet next week. A coroner’s inquest and video footage are also expected to assist in determining the exact circumstances that led to the tragedy.
“The Prime Minister has expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and to the government and people of China,” Hurst said. “The Cabinet has also extended condolences to the Chinese embassy, colleagues, and friends of the worker.”
The worker was employed as part of a Chinese team contributing to the government-led housing project in Booby Alley, which is being constructed with support from the People’s Republic of China.
The accident has reignited concerns over occupational health and safety enforcement at construction sites across the country. While Antigua and Barbuda’s labour code includes modern provisions for worker safety, questions remain about implementation and monitoring.
Hurst acknowledged the importance of improving workplace safety: “This is clearly an accident, but we must avoid these kinds of incidents. It’s a reminder that we must remain vigilant and careful on the job.”
It remains unclear whether the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) or any other agency had flagged the location of overhead power lines or implemented additional safety protocols on the site.
Calls have also resurfaced for the government to accelerate the long-discussed move to underground electricity infrastructure. However, Hurst indicated that resource constraints and prioritisation of water and energy supply limit the feasibility of such transitions in the short term.
The Booby Alley redevelopment is part of a wider urban renewal initiative in the Point area and has drawn both praise and controversy in recent years.
The Chinese embassy has not yet issued a public statement.
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