Minister Rawdon Turner Engages Sustainable Markets Initiative on Key Development Priorities Ahead of CHOGM 2026
Minister of Social and Urban Transformation, Hon. Rawdon Turner, accompanied by Minister of State, Hon. Kiz Johnson, met on Tuesday with representatives of the Sustainable Markets Initiative (SMI) to discuss strategic opportunities for collaboration in advancing Antigua and Barbuda’s sustainable development agenda.
The meeting, facilitated by Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism, Hon. Michael Freeland, focused on identifying areas where the Sustainable Markets Initiative can provide support to Antigua and Barbuda, while also exploring opportunities for partnership in preparation for the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2026, which will be hosted in Antigua and Barbuda later this year.
During the discussions, Minister Turner highlighted several priority areas requiring technical expertise, investment, and strategic partnerships. Among the key issues raised was the need to address longstanding challenges associated with sewage treatment infrastructure in St. John’s.
“The modernization of sewage treatment systems is critical to the continued development of our capital city and the protection of public health and the environment,” Minister Turner noted while outlining the Government’s vision for a more resilient and sustainable urban landscape.
The Minister also emphasized the importance of creating accessible urban corridors and enhancing infrastructure to make St. John’s a more disability-friendly city. He sought technical assistance and guidance on implementing international best practices that would improve mobility, inclusivity, and quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
Environmental sustainability was another major focus of the meeting. Discussions centered on the growing concerns surrounding coastal erosion and the deterioration of beaches across Antigua and Barbuda. Minister Turner requested consultancy support to help identify practical, science-based solutions aimed at protecting the nation’s coastlines and preserving one of its most valuable natural resources.
The Sustainable Markets Initiative delegation was led by Chief Executive Officer Jennifer Jordan-Saifi, who was accompanied by members of her communications team.
Jordan-Saifi welcomed the opportunity to engage with the Government of Antigua and Barbuda and expressed the Initiative’s willingness to explore avenues through which meaningful support could be provided.
She indicated that SMI would assess the areas discussed and determine how assistance could be mobilized through grant funding, concessional financing, technical expertise, or strategic partnerships. The meeting underscored the Government’s commitment to fostering international collaboration as it pursues innovative solutions to national development challenges and prepares to welcome world leaders for CHOGM 2026
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The use of sewage and desalination plants by hotels and other developments right around Antigua coastline needs to be monitored closely Mr.Turner.
We have several properties on island operating sewage plants and dumping highly contaminated water into our coastline. These plant were approved with the intention of recycling the thousands of gallons of water for irrigation purposes. So on Dickenson Bay both major hotels are operating Sewage plants and desalination plants. The concentrated salt water called brine is damaging into our coastline as well. I don’t know about the smaller properties but you can find out easily.
Most of these sewage plants were either poorly designed and constructed or not maintained properly. So what they do is to dump into our coastline waters . They all have large pipelines or some means of dumping into the sea. Mckennons lagoon suffers from that as well. Yes a nearby hotel dum in da.
Yes some might use the water to irrigate from time to time, but the majority of times the dump.
Moving right around – This hotels again operates both plants . The brine to Deeo bay and the sewage to the Lagoon back of deep bay. Then we have two more hotels as you continue around again both operating plants .
Hay several other developments between also do likewise. Next big stop is Jolly Harbour. They too operates both plants. Once they used the recycled water to irrigate. This is a very large community and lots of sewage water is generated there . Similarly what about the brine. Do you realize the amount of properties from St.Johns to Darkwood with sewage plants and desalination plants.
Hey I am not even mentioning that the government is also operating extremely large desalination plants in that stretch I just mentioned. Down Ffryes beach area. I also wonder why hotels so close to government plants are allowed to operate desalination plants and empty brine unmonitored. Again the hotels in old road same thing .
Solution- calling on the government to set up agencies to police , monitor, and put legislation in place if necessary to have oversight of these operations.
I believe that most of these are in violation environmentally and legally. If we’re going to grow the Blue economy, then we need to address these issues.
We need a task force in place yesterday- not tomorrow. With the legal backing to enter properties to inspect without make appointments .
We are talking about first world countries destroying our environment by how they live. “CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME”.
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