The Chief Operations Manager of the PLH Project/Barbuda Ocean Club, Justin Wilshaw, has provided the Cabinet will a comprehensive update on the project that is making a significant contribution to the national economy.
Reports from the Cabinet said Wilshaw, made a presentation on the status, contributions, and proposed next-phase initiatives of the PLH / Barbuda Ocean Club Project.
He stated that the PLH/Barbuda Ocean Club Project is a long-term, phased development in Barbuda, guided by the Barbuda Master Plan and designed to support sustainable tourism, employment, and infrastructure development.
Cabinet was advised that to date the project has achieved the following:
- Completion of 50 homes and condominiums, representing approximately 280 bedrooms, with 112 completed property sales;
- Total investment to date of approximately US$650 million (about EC$1.5 billion);
- Completion and operation of an 18-hole golf course and associated amenities;
- Employment of 402 persons, including:
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- 176 Barbudans,
- 139 Antiguans,
- 44 OECS nationals, and
- 43 CARICOM and expatriate nationals
PLH further advised that there remains an estimated US$2.0 billion in planned future investment across subsequent phases of the project.
Cabinet was advised that so far for 2025, PLH made total payments of approximately EC$21.3 million to the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, including about EC$3.1 million paid directly to the Barbuda Council.
These contributions include payments for:
- Antigua and Barbuda Sales Tax;
- Customs and port charges;
- Social Security and Medical Benefits;
- Land lease payments;
- Immigration and related fees.
PLH indicated that, subject to the resolution of outstanding matters, annual contributions could rise.
Cabinet was briefed on a proposal to construct a strategic road corridor linking Codrington, the Barbuda Airport, Port, River Dock, and Palmetto, with the following features:
- Approximate length of 5.3–5.4 miles;
- Two-lane carriageway with associated drainage and roundabouts;
- Estimated construction period of 15–18 months;
- Estimated cost of approximately US$12 million.
The proposed financing model involves upfront, zero-interest financing by a PLH-affiliated entity, with cost recovery through a defined portion of stamp duty collected on third-party property resales, subject to Cabinet approval and legal agreement.
No final decision has been taken, and the matter is subject to further review by the Ministry of Works, Legal Affairs, and other relevant agencies.
Cabinet was advised of a proposal to establish a marine reserve at Coco Bay, recognising its ecological importance as a turtle habitat and kite-surfing area.
Key elements include:
- PLH-funded turtle monitoring, currently estimated at US$80,000 per annum;
- PLH-funded installation of mooring buoys (estimated at US$250,000) to prevent anchoring damage;
- Establishment of governance and revenue arrangements to be determined by Government.
PLH also proposed the establishment of a recycling facility on Barbuda, structured as a non-profit entity, with Board representation from:
- The Government of Antigua and Barbuda,
- The Barbuda Council, and
- PLH.
In support of national development objectives, PLH also expressed willingness to:
- Invest in the training of local trades and skills affiliated with the Antigua and Barbuda Institute of Continuing Education; and
- Increase participation of local businesses and contractors in construction and related actiities
The Government remains committed to ensuring that all major investments in Barbuda proceed in a manner that is transparent, environmentally responsible, and aligned with national development priorities, while delivering tangible benefits for Barbudans and Antiguans alike.
