Prime Minister Gaston Browne says the government of Antigua and Barbuda is considering the compulsory acquisition of some properties in St. John’s as part of efforts to expand housing opportunities and redevelop areas affected by derelict buildings.

Speaking during an interview with ABS News, Browne said the government is willing to purchase properties or enter into land swap arrangements with owners of lots previously occupied by abandoned structures.

“We have a program in which we are willing to purchase those lots, or even to do a land swap with those individuals who own those lots that were previously occupied by those derelict homes,” Browne said.

The Prime Minister added that the government is also examining whether compulsory acquisition may be necessary in some cases to advance the national housing programme.

“We are looking at the possibility to see whether or not we can compulsory acquire them, in the national interest, in the interest of making homes available to Antiguans and Barbudans,” he said.

The comments come as the Antigua and Barbuda government continues a campaign to remove derelict buildings across St. John’s City. Dozens of abandoned structures have already been demolished in the St. John’s City West constituency as part of a broader urban renewal and city beautification initiative.

Government officials have said the removal of derelict properties is intended to eliminate health and security risks while creating opportunities for housing development and community revitalization in Antigua and Barbuda.