The planned erection of a cement plant at Crabbs has residents asking about the true role of the Development Control Authority (DCA), following the agency’s destruction of a tent owned by Opposition Leader Jamale Pringle, yesterday, on Morris Bay.
Reportedly, the commercial plant is to be sited between the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force (ABDF) Crabbs outpost and the water-bottling plant operated by a former Antigua Labour Party politician. And insiders allege the location was not approved by Town and Country Planner Frederick Southwell, who has been placed on vacation ahead of his pre-retirement leave.
The sources further allege that plans for the cement plant are going ahead – despite the fact that the mandatory environmental impact assessment (EIA) has not been carried out.
Added to this alleged breach, well-placed sources claim that the head of the ABDF is not happy about the placement of the plant, either.
Given the situation, the sources are asking exactly who gave the go-ahead on this project and exactly who the owners are. Some persons have alleged that it is a private concern between two Cabinet members – but being “disguised” as a government initiative.
While speculation continues about its ownership and permission to build, persons are also reporting that two concrete trucks – allegedly controlled by a strategically placed minister – are already located at the site.
Meanwhile, other sources tell REAL News that several factories are to be constructed at North Sound, north of the cricket stadium, in the vicinity of the Chinese construction company.
This has sparked fears of industrial pollution and health concerns among nearby homeowners, some of whom have been affected by cement dust emanating from the Chinese batching plant.
According to the Throne Speech 2026, the Browne Administration is to make building materials available to low-income families in the year ahead. The sources claim that these materials – of Chinese origin – will be generated by the new manufacturing plants while the bulk of production is aimed at carving into the local market.
Again, questions about ownership are being asked. While, ostensibly, this appears to be a collaboration between the Government of Antigua and the People’s Republic of China, the sources claim that a senior Cabinet minister has a stake in this new industrial zone.
REAL News will continue to follow these developments.
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A REAL News Report