Prime Minister Gaston Browne has directed authorities to clean up and reorganise the Point Fisheries Complex, saying the facility can no longer be allowed to operate amid persistent dumping and unsanitary conditions.
Browne raised concerns about the state of the government-owned complex during Saturday’s Browne and Browne Show, after photographs of the area were brought to his attention.
He expressed frustration over the accumulation of garbage, discarded materials and fish waste, arguing that the facility has not been maintained to an acceptable standard.
The fisheries complex was developed with assistance from the Government of Japan and was intended to provide proper infrastructure for people working in the fishing industry.
However, Browne said its current condition is undermining that purpose and negatively affecting the surrounding Point community.
The Prime Minister warned that operators who are unwilling to maintain proper sanitary conditions should not be allowed to continue using the facility.
As part of the planned reorganisation, he said instructions have already been issued for some activities to be moved to the Cooks area.
The clean-up is also expected to extend beyond the fisheries complex into the wider Point community.
Browne used the issue to renew his criticism of illegal dumping across Antigua and Barbuda, including the practice of leaving derelict vehicles and other unwanted items along public roads.
He said abandoned vehicles would be treated as another form of indiscriminate littering as the Government moves toward tougher enforcement measures.
Authorities have been considering heavier penalties for illegal dumping in an effort to discourage individuals and businesses from turning roadsides and other public spaces into disposal sites.
Browne said keeping communities clean cannot be the responsibility of the Government alone, arguing that residents must also take greater responsibility for the condition of their surroundings.
He said repeated dumping not only affects the quality of life of residents but also damages the appearance of Antigua and Barbuda as a tourism destination.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: PM Browne Orders Clean-Up of Point Fisheries Complex, Warns Against Illegal Dumping.