China formally handed over the 150-unit Pelican Court housing development to the government of Antigua and Barbuda on Thursday, marking a major step in the redevelopment of the former Booby Alley community in St. John’s.

The Chinese-funded project replaces overcrowded, deteriorating homes with modern condominiums intended primarily for former residents. Prime Minister Gaston Browne said residents could begin moving into the development by January, once outstanding landscaping and utility work is completed.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Browne said the development was intended to improve living conditions while allowing families to remain in their community.

“We have said before that this is not a program of gentrification, that those who lived here before will be given priority,” he said.

Former resident homeowners will receive replacement condominiums without additional payment, Browne said. He valued the new units at approximately $350,000 each.

Other qualifying occupants could obtain homes through subsidised mortgages of approximately $150,000, with flexible arrangements based on their ability to pay, he told ABS after the ceremony.

The prime minister said the administrative allocation process had begun, but the Antigua Public Utilities Authority still needed to install meters and other preparations remained outstanding.

“We’re hoping by January to facilitate the transition to move them back into their new condominium homes,” he said.

Pelican Court comprises nine residential buildings and was financed through a $50 million grant from China. The development includes individual water storage facilities, designed to help residents cope with interruptions to the public supply.

Project chairman Ambassador Clarence Pilgrim said the redevelopment followed years of negotiations, relocation arrangements and challenges, including resistance from some residents and disruption during the COVID-19 pandemic.

He thanked former residents for their patience and participation, saying their welfare remained central as the project moved into its next phase. He also called for clear maintenance arrangements, transparent management and consideration for neighbours.

A representative of the Chinese construction team pledged continued technical support and maintenance services following the handover.

The Chinese ambassador described the development as a gift ahead of Antigua and Barbuda’s 45th anniversary of independence and an example of cooperation aimed at improving people’s lives.

Browne said preserving the development would require residents to follow community rules. He warned against gambling, drug trafficking, excessive noise and indiscriminate dumping, and said a facility manager had already been appointed.

A condominium maintenance fee would also be introduced, he said, suggesting $50 a month as a possible amount.

The prime minister said Pelican Court should serve as a model for similar housing developments elsewhere in Antigua and Barbuda.

Another 100 Chinese-supported homes — 50 in Bolans and 50 in Barbuda — are planned, with Browne saying construction was expected to begin within 60 to 90 days.

He has also requested Chinese assistance for an additional 300 condominium units at Perry Bay. That request has not yet received formal approval.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: China hands over 150 Pelican Court homes to Antigua and Barbuda.