The Antigua and Barbuda Pensioners Association (ABPA) is sounding the alarm over the state of the building that they occupy, citing severe structural decay and unsafe conditions which pose severe hazards for staff and visitors – particularly females.
They are lamenting that the dire conditions of the facility have not been addressed for a number of years.
A volunteer office assistant, Earl O’brien, shared shocking details during a recent interview. He described a building in critical disrepair, plagued by flooding, termite infestation, and broken sanitary facilities.
O’Brien said the conditions of three bathrooms are the biggest issue as water is seeping from underneath, making the floors slippery and unsanitary which in turn present a serious health hazard, especially for women.”
Due to these risks, the team has been forced to limit their hours and avoid bringing female staff or visitors into the building.
O’Brien said the staff tries to leave by 12:30 or 1:00pm as it is unsafe to stay longer, especially when it rains.
Adding to the grievances is a gaping hole in the roof at the rear of the building.
“When it rains, water floods the entire office from the roof and even bubbles up through the tiles,” said O’Brien. “We’re in hurricane season now—if a big storm hits, the whole place could collapse.”
The situation is further compounded by termite-infested windows and a western roof so eroded that volunteers fear it could cave in. Despite complaints dating back to 2019, O’Brien says no assistance has been received to address the deteriorating conditions.
As the hurricane season progresses, community leaders and stakeholders are being called upon to act swiftly to prevent potential disasters and protect the health and safety of those who rely on the facility.
Observer media reached out to the President of the Association, Evans Bennett, who promised to have further details on the matter at a later date.
