Finally, Ministry of Agriculture workers begin move to Nugent Avenue; PS Joseph expects all business to be up and running next Monday

Workers at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Barbuda Affairs are
breathing a sigh of relief as they have begun their relocation to the former
National Technical Training Centre (NTTC) on Nugent Avenue.

A relocation notice has been circulated, advising the public that the Ministry’s
head office is in the process of moving to the compound, which is west of the
YASCO Sports Complex.

It was reported earlier that workers had been operating out of boxes as they
had begun packing last year when they were first informed of the move.
Accordingly, Permanent Secretary Sandra Joseph anticipates that, from next
Monday, May 13, all business at the Ministry will be in full operation at the
new location.

The staff should have been relocated to these premises since December last
year, but the Administration fell short of its promise. Later, the workers were
told that, by February 14 this year, the move would take place; but, again,
nothing happened, forcing employees to take protest action two months ago.

On Friday, March 15, workers took to the picket line, with representatives of
the Antigua and Barbuda Public Service Association (ABPSA) joining them to
protest their working conditions. At that time, they said they were fed up with
repeated promises to relocate them.

Association President Joan Peters reported, then, that the delay allegedly had
to do with claims on the building made by the Ministry of Health, which had
expressed its intention to relocate one of its departments there.

Meanwhile, the Independence Drive building reportedly is to be condemned,
as it is said to be falling apart, quite literally, with pieces of the ceiling having
fallen on staff. Apparently, the structure is cracking and leaning; has
unsanitary bathroom facilities; and is plagued with termite and mold
infestation.