Fist home of 2026 demolished by government/ photo by Rawdon Turner

Legislation aimed at strengthening the government’s ability to deal with derelict and hazardous properties is expected to come before Parliament when lawmakers meet on June 16.

The planned measures were disclosed during Friday’s post-Cabinet media briefing, where Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant said the government is seeking to make its efforts to clear unsafe structures more effective.

Merchant said the administration has been engaged in removing abandoned homes and buildings that pose safety and security concerns in communities across Antigua and Barbuda.

“The government has been clearing certain areas from derelict homes and houses,” he said.

According to Merchant, Parliament will consider legislation designed to enhance the government’s authority to address properties considered dangerous or detrimental to surrounding communities.

He said the proposed changes are intended to improve the process of removing structures that have become safety hazards or security risks.

The legislation is expected to form part of a broader agenda before Parliament on June 16, with additional measures also slated for debate.

Further details on the proposed legal changes have not yet been released.