Excitement filled the Bougainvillea Conference Room at Jolly Beach Hotel as more than 50 citizens gathered for the first national consultation on Eco-Communities, Eco-Businesses, and Eco-Events—a visionary project designed to reimagine life in Antigua and Barbuda through a sustainable lens.
Led by the dynamic non-profit Good Humans 268 Inc., this event marks the beginning of a wider engagement process that will travel to multiple communities across the island, collecting data and building partnerships to tackle climate change, pollution, and waste at the grassroots level.
“This is a long-term conversation with the community, not a one-off,” said Joshuanette Francis, founder and director of Good Humans 268 Inc. “We’re here to listen, to learn, and to build. Every comment, concern, and idea shared today brings us closer to practical solutions that work for real people.” Participants split into breakout groups to explore the three pillars of the initiative: “This is exactly what we need in Antigua,” said one participant, “People are tired of just hearing about climate change—we want to do something. And this gave us a way to act, right here where we live.” Residents learned about upcoming pilot projects.
“I’ve already signed up to be part of the Eco-Community pilot,” said a Jolly Harbour homeowner. “It’s time we stop waiting for someone else to fix the problem. We are the solution.” Data from the consultation will be compiled and shared with government ministries, NGOs, and international donors to support new investments in waste infrastructure, renewable energy, and eco-entrepreneurship.
Francis closed the session with a heartfelt reflection. “What we saw today confirms what we’ve always believed: the will to change is here. Now, it’s our job to provide the tools, support, and structure to make that change sustainable and inclusive.”
The team from Good Humans 268 Inc. plans to visit several more communities over the next six months. Each visit will tailor its approach to the community’s unique needs—urban or rural, coastal or inland—but always centered around the core mission: a cleaner, greener, more inclusive nation.
