Government has announced the approval of the establishment of a national Safe Haven for Women and Children in Need of Care and Protection, marking a significant expansion of the country’s social protection and gender-based violence response systems.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation, will create a dedicated trauma-informed facility designed to provide emergency shelter, therapeutic support, family strengthening services and structured reintegration assistance for vulnerable women and children.
Cabinet also approved strategic partnerships to support the construction and operation of the facility.
Among the key contributors is Team Island Girls, which has committed EC$350,000 toward construction and capital development following several years of fundraising in support of the initiative. Cabinet also announced support from an Alabama-based church partnership, which will provide volunteer labour, furnishings, development assistance and community engagement support.
To complement these contributions, the Government has approved a capital investment of EC$500,000 to support land identification, site preparation, regulatory approvals and initial construction works.
The combined contributions bring the project’s initial funding envelope to EC$850,000.
According to Cabinet, the Safe Haven will operate under the joint leadership of the Family and Social Services Division and the Directorate of Gender Affairs. Oversight will also include a dedicated steering committee tasked with ensuring accountability, governance and coordinated service delivery.
Cabinet further authorized the execution of Memoranda of Understanding with project partners and directed the Attorney General’s Chambers to provide the necessary legal support to facilitate implementation.
Phase I of the project is expected to commence within two weeks, allowing for the immediate mobilization of partner contributions and operational preparations.
Government officials said the initiative addresses a longstanding gap within Antigua and Barbuda’s national social protection framework and reflects the Government’s commitment to safeguarding vulnerable citizens through a coordinated and sustainable care system.
