The planned development to turn the Fort Barrington area into a cultural tourist attraction, will see Antigua and Barbuda nationals getting a part of the ownership of the project.
A Jamaican company, Chukka Caribbean Adventures, has received the greenlight from the government to undertake the project with an estimated US$5 million investment.
Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez has announced that the government has asked that twenty-percent of the ownership must be reserved for local involvement. This is part of the government’s drive to encourage local investment in tourism and similar projects.
Fernandez said representatives from the company were in St. John’s last week for discussions with the government and he expects work to commerce shortly. He noted that the architects are also here working on the conceptual and other drawings.
The tourism minister underscored the authenticity of the company, noting that they recently took over the management of ‘The Caves’ in Barbados. “For them (the Barbados government) to sign over the control of The Caves, tells you that this is a serious company,” he stated.
He also announced that Chukka Caribbean Adventures have been having discussions with archaeologist, Dr. Reginald Murphy, as the government is keen on having the historic and other features of the area preserved.
Fernandez confirmed that construction is set to begin shortly, with the initial phase expected to open by November or December. He attributed early delays to tidal measurement discrepancies, which have since been resolved.
The US$5 million project will transform the historic Goat Hill site into an entertainment and adventure park, combining heritage preservation with enhanced access to its beach and nearby caves.
Chukka Caribbean Adventures, a leading Jamaican nature-tour operator, has a track record of developing major attractions across the region. The Fort Barrington initiative marks its latest expansion, aiming to boost both tourism and local engagement.
