Free outdoor gyms for communities in Antigua

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Duty-free on gym equipment and free outdoor gyms are among plans by the government to fight growing concerns over non-communicable diseases in Antigua and Barbuda.

Sports minister Daryl Matthew first mentioned the outdoor gym when he made his presentation on the 2019 national budget.

The matter was given further consideration in Cabinet today where it was gym will be attached to basketball courts and other sporting centers.

A decision was also taken to waive all duties and taxes on gym equipment, in order to lower the cost to homeowners and consumers, effective March 1 2019.

“In an effort to contribute to healthier lifestyles, and to abandon the sedentary routine that characterizes many who work in offices, the Cabinet was advised that gyms are essential equipment.”

“By lowering the cost of exercise equipment, the Cabinet intends to make such equipment more affordable.”

 Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the major cause of death in Antigua and Barbuda, characterized by hypertension and diabetes.

Officials are of the view getting boys and girls, men and women, to live active lifestyles including exercising in outdoor gyms, is one sure method to address the killer diseases plaguing Antiguans and Barbudans.

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8 COMMENTS

  1. This is actually a good idea, I support it.

    Please make sure that the outdoor equipment can withstand salt air ocean breezes and morning dew, or else it will get rusty and messed up in just a couple of months. Making sure that this outdoor equipment can still look nice after a few years of use will be important.

    I’d also suggest that the Antigua government designated running trails on the island and do what it can to create natural running trails throughout the island. Perhaps it can also put such equipment on the running trails as well.

  2. My car is exercise equipment I go out and wash and wax it so I should get a duty concession for that. It’s very hard work.

    • I give them 1 week tops before the equipment is stolen, vandalized or the object of some serious altercations as to whose turn it is to use what. Better make working CCTV a part of each package.

  3. Mr Editor please post my comment. This is the problem in this country, no one is calling the wrongs and no one is taking responsibility for their errors.

    Everything has to be swept under the carpet.

    There is nothing offensive about my comment.

    YOUR HEADLINE IS STILL A LIE…NOTHING IN THE STORY JUSTIFIES THE HEADLINE.

  4. I have seen offensive language, total disrespect to the PM, disrespect to other bloggers and you SENSOR my comment.

    WHY?

    THIN SKIN EDITOR YOUR HEADLINE IS A LIE.

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