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The picturesque coastal community of Jolly Harbour came alive this week with hope, collaboration, and a shared purpose as residents, business owners, and sustainability advocates gathered for the first in a series of national consultations on building Eco-Communities, supporting Eco-Businesses, and promoting Eco-Events. The initiative, spearheaded by Good Humans 268 Inc., represents a groundbreaking step toward a more resilient and environmentally conscious Antigua and Barbuda.
Held under the banner of “Reimagine, Restore, Revive,” the consultation brought together over 50 stakeholders, from homeowners and hoteliers to environmental NGOs and youth volunteers. The open-air meeting sparked vibrant discussions about local waste management, sustainable building practices, and climate-smart living.
“This is not just a meeting; it’s a movement,” said Joshuanette Francis, founder of Good Humans 268 Inc. “We are collecting stories, data, and dreams from communities like Jolly Harbour to shape a future where every corner of Antigua is clean, green, and inclusive.”
The consultation is the first of several being conducted across the island to gather on-the-ground data that will inform the development of policies and practices around Eco-Communities—neighbourhoods designed to minimize environmental impact; Eco-Businesses—enterprises that operate with sustainability at their core; and Eco-Events—celebrations that reduce waste and carbon emissions while educating attendees.
“The beach is our front yard. If we don’t protect it, we lose everything. I’m thrilled to finally be part of something that prioritizes the environment and gives small businesses a platform to be part of the solution,” Francis said.
Topics covered in the consultation included separation and recycling of household waste; implementation of community composting programs; certification and branding of eco-businesses; and guidelines for sustainable event planning.
Data gathered from the session will be compiled into a working report by Good Humans 268 Inc., to be shared with government ministries, the private sector, and international development partners. Looking ahead, Francis emphasized that this is just the beginning.
“Jolly Harbour set the tone. Our next stop will bring us to a very different community—different challenges, different dynamics—but the same vision: building a better Antigua for generations to come.”
As the sun set over the harbour, the sense of shared commitment lingered in the salty breeze. One thing was clear: the people of Jolly Harbour are ready to lead by example—and the rest of the island is watching.
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