The Ministry of Housing and Works celebrates the successful completion and reopening of the newly revitalized St. John’s Police Station, marking a significant milestone in the government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the nation’s law enforcement infrastructure.
At the Re-Commissioning Ceremony held Thursday, the Minister of Housing and Works, Hon. Maria Browne, expressed heartfelt gratitude to all individuals and organizations whose dedication and teamwork made the project possible. The Minister highlighted the collaborative spirit that defined the rehabilitation process, noting the essential roles played by the contractor, Ambassador Patrice Luke and his team, the Ministry’s Buildings Department, and the unwavering support from the Ministry of Legal Affairs and the Port Authority.
“This day has been long in the making, and it is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together,” said Minister Browne. “From the outset, this project was a team effort. I want to extend a special thank you to Ambassador Patrice Luke and his team for their professionalism and commitment, as well as to our Buildings Department for their expertise in design and outfitting. Their hard work has ensured that the St. John’s Police Station not only meets modern standards but also retains its unique West Indian charm.”
The Minister also acknowledged the patience and cooperation of the officers and staff of the Royal Police Force, who were temporarily relocated to Bay Street during the renovation. Special thanks were extended to Port Manager Darwin Telemaque and the Minister responsible for the Port for providing temporary accommodations, ensuring that police services continued uninterrupted.
The revitalized St. John’s Police Station now features expanded office space, upgraded holding facilities, and a newly restored top floor, which had not been in use for many years. These improvements will provide officers with a more functional and comfortable working environment, enhancing their ability to serve and protect the public.
Looking ahead, Minister Browne reaffirmed the Ministry of Housing and Works’ commitment to ongoing improvements across police facilities throughout Antigua and Barbuda. “This is just the beginning,” she stated. “We will continue to work closely with the Ministry of Legal Affairs and other partners to rehabilitate and upgrade government-owned buildings, reducing our reliance on leased spaces and ensuring that our police officers have the resources they need to carry out their vital duties.”
The Ministry of Housing and Works extends sincere appreciation to everyone involved in the St. John’s Police Station project and looks forward to further collaborations as part of its mission to enhance public infrastructure for the benefit of all citizens and residents.
