Prime Minister Gaston Browne says construction activity is progressing at Willoughby Bay as developers move forward with a major residential tourism project that is expected to bring significant investment to Antigua and Barbuda’s southeast coast.
Speaking on his weekly radio programme on Saturday, Browne provided an update on the development, describing it as a high-end residential project being undertaken by a Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP) investor.
According to the prime minister, the investor was introduced to the site several years ago and has since advanced plans for the property.
“This is a new residential-type development that has been pursued by one of our CIP citizens,” Browne said.
The project forms part of a broader trend of luxury tourism and residential developments being pursued across Antigua and Barbuda as the country seeks to expand its tourism offerings and attract additional foreign direct investment.
While discussing the development, Browne pushed back against criticism from those who oppose new tourism projects, arguing that Antigua and Barbuda must continue creating new investment opportunities if it hopes to compete internationally.
The prime minister noted that demand for high-end tourism products continues to grow and said developments such as Willoughby Bay are important to expanding the country’s economic base.
Browne also emphasized that environmental considerations remain a key part of the approval process for major projects.
The update came during a wider discussion about tourism investments, including Sandals’ planned expansion and the addition of overwater bungalows at Dickenson Bay.
The prime minister said government policy remains focused on balancing economic growth with environmental protection and public access to coastal areas.
Although specific details regarding the final build-out of the Willoughby Bay project were not extensively discussed during the programme, Browne confirmed that work is actively moving ahead and forms part of a pipeline of major investments expected to strengthen Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism and real estate sectors.
The development is located in one of the island’s most scenic coastal areas and is expected to contribute to employment, construction activity and future visitor spending once completed.
Government officials have repeatedly pointed to tourism-related construction projects as a major driver of economic activity and a key component of the country’s growth strategy.
Browne said Antigua and Barbuda must continue positioning itself to attract international investors while expanding the range of accommodation and residential options available to visitors and property owners.
Further details on the scope and timeline of the Willoughby Bay project are expected as construction advances.
Source: Prime Minister Gaston Browne on the Browne and Browne Show.