Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Barbuda Affairs, E.P. Chet Greene, has highlighted the transformative impact of duty-free vehicle concessions on traffic patterns in Antigua and Barbuda.
Speaking during an interview on Pointe FM, Greene addressed the challenges posed by the increasing number of vehicles on the island and urged residents to adapt by planning their travel more efficiently.
The minister acknowledged that the surge in vehicle ownership, bolstered by government policies on duty-free concessions, has significantly altered traffic flows across Antigua.
He emphasized the need for citizens to account for these changes when navigating the roads.
“I encourage everyone not to follow my example of leaving 20 minutes before an appointment,” he said, referencing his own experience of being delayed due to heavy traffic. “A sensible half-hour is the least you should allocate for travel these days.”
Greene noted that while the increase in vehicles has brought certain logistical challenges, it also reflects a positive development in the country.
“This is a testament to the economic opportunities we’re providing through duty-free policies, enabling more Antiguans to own vehicles,” he remarked. However, he stressed that with this progress comes the responsibility to improve time management and adjust to evolving traffic conditions.
The minister’s remarks come amid ongoing discussions about infrastructure development and road improvements across the nation.
Greene pointed to recent roadwork projects as evidence of the government’s commitment to addressing longstanding issues while adapting to the realities of increased vehicle usage. He also highlighted the importance of clear communication from the Department of Public Works, which regularly updates motorists on construction zones and detours via social media platforms.
“Drivers can no longer claim ignorance,” Greene said. “The information is readily available to help navigate traffic and minimize delays, so we all need to do our part in adjusting to these changes.”
Antigua and Barbuda continues to balance economic growth with infrastructure demands.
The government has prioritized initiatives to improve the road network, with workers now taking to the streets even on weekends to accelerate progress. Greene praised these efforts, describing them as part of the administration’s “next-level governance” approach.
While acknowledging the frustrations that come with traffic congestion and roadworks, Greene called on citizens to remain patient and recognize the long-term benefits of the ongoing improvements.
“Yes, we’ve had challenges with roads and water infrastructure, but what matters is that serious efforts are being made to fix these problems,” he said.
The minister’s message to residents was clear: Antigua and Barbuda is undergoing significant transformation, and everyone must adapt to these changes responsibly.
Whether through better travel planning or a collective commitment to infrastructure development, Greene urged all citizens to contribute to the country’s continued progress.
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Ugly bee hush!!
You sure nuff funny looking!🤣
One sure way of reading traffic, would also be to have a modern and efficient public transportation system.
Because the average antiguan can’t afford to buy a vehicle in Antigua ,they import used vehicles in some cases 15 years old . Also ,if we had good roads ,the delay wouldn’t be as long . Chet ,please take a drive around the island ,and you will see the amount of abandon vehicles all over . This is the next eye sore the government must tackle. We are obviously cleaning up Japan’s old vehicles .
The time has come where some roads need to be converted into a one way and a policy alsonneed to be put in place that ALL vehicles occupying the road whether they are driven or parked, need to be licensed or face the consequences of being towed away.
These concessions are offered at election times and they want to know for which political party you are supporting. The wealthy ones are eligible throughout the year and they are afforded full exemptions on high end vehicles which are generally new, while the less fortunate are forced to purchase the likes of 10 and 15 year old lower end cars and then, there’s the government waiting to make a killing on licensing fees, fuel costs and a 61% markup on parts. This is nothing short of loansharking.
The traffic congestion in Antigua now is crazy. It is as if you are driving in New York, London or Los Angeles. Something has to be done about it. I am already witnessing road rage in some of these traffic delays.
How about fixing the secondary roads?
You are hearing from Chet more on Pointe FM than on his jokey WTP foolishness. This sucking up to Gaston is not fooling him one bit he knows you have your eyes on the prize even though you pretend otherwise, the big brown dog is up to you
Quote: ‘Yes, we’ve had challenges with roads and water infrastructure’ unquote. The truth is that right now we are having and will have for a long time, not challenges but big problems, with roads – main roads and residential areas roads that are ruining personal vehicles big time, getting worse and eroding because of the patch-work and weather and also as you mentioned, because of the increase amount of vehicles and heavy/duty trucks. Look at Fort Road, how many years in the trying to fix it and it’s still a major disaster. The problem of bad roads have just started to take prevalence because of the people’s outcry and real work have just started what? 15 days ago? because of the conflict and treats to the Director of Works and the exposure that it got publicly triggering some serious actions which so far represent 0.9% of the entire serious problem all around the island (and the patching-up continues). Each elected government Representative should make an assessment of roads in their communities and present or request an action plan on behalf of their constituencies to the Ministry of Works based on which a reconstruction, fixing, repair and maintenance urgent program should be put in place, starting with the most seriously affected ones (presently there are many, ask for a list please). When it comes to water infrastructure, please get involve and find out what is the real problem, when you see the city of St. Johns itself affected by water shortages we have to wonder what’s going on in the outskirts and in some small towns at this day and age in our small twin islands surrounded by the ocean/water. Where is the lack? Now and in this precise time, Mr Minister, there should not be political oriented talks and caring for traffic jams; we can live and handle that ourselves, but cannot do much (besides complain to get some action going) for the serious affecting problems of bad eroded roads and water availability, especially drinking water, that are all subjects on this your article.
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