Prime Minister Gaston Browne says the government is preparing a major infrastructure push in Barbuda that will include a new airport terminal, runway expansion, road development and a transition to full renewable energy.
Speaking on Pointe FM on Saturday, Browne said the government intends to begin construction of a modern terminal at the Barbuda International Airport before the end of the year as part of broader plans to transform the island into what he described as a “smart” luxury destination.
“We intend to start the actual construction of a new modern terminal, I’d say by year end,” Browne said.
The Prime Minister said the airport runway is also expected to be expanded within the next two years as the government continues investing heavily in Barbuda’s infrastructure.
According to Browne, the Caribbean Development Bank has already approved approximately US$300 million for road construction and related works on the island.
“We also have $30 million approved at the CDB,” Browne said. “Public Works should be engaging contractors very soon to pursue road construction in Barbuda.”
He added that the government has also reached an arrangement with PLH to advance additional funding for road expansion projects, with the costs to be offset against taxes owed by the company.
“We have an arrangement with PLH in which we’ll be advancing certain funds to help to expand the road network in Barbuda,” Browne said.
Browne said the government’s vision for Barbuda extends beyond roads and airports and includes a complete shift toward renewable energy.
“We plan to make the renewable energy plant totally green to power Barbuda,” he said, explaining that the government hopes to install between two and three megawatts of solar energy capacity along with battery storage systems.
The Prime Minister said the long-term goal is for Barbuda to operate entirely on solar energy around the clock.
“We want to get now to 24 hours,” Browne said. “So Barbuda is going to be a green organic [island].”
Browne also outlined plans to position Barbuda as a technologically advanced tourism destination capable of attracting wealthy investors and homeowners from North America and Europe.
“Our plan is to make Barbuda a smart island, a luxury destination,” Browne said. “When it comes to AI and so on, eventually we want to make sure that Barbuda is at the cutting edge of our technology.”
The Prime Minister said the island’s development strategy is intended to differentiate Barbuda from other destinations in the region while supporting economic growth and modernization.
_Editor’s Note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated that the Caribbean Development Bank approved $300 million for Barbuda road works. Prime Minister Gaston Browne said the figure was $30 million. The article has been corrected. _