Government moves to prevent shutdown of brewery

Prime Minister of Antigua-Barbuda, Baldwin Spencer, has confirmed that his administration is examining other options in order to keep the Antigua Brewery Limited operational and save an estimated 42 jobs at the plant.

The company has already announced plans to shift its production to St Vincent and the Grenadines.

"I get the impression that they have made up their mind and that is the only option they have available. At the same time, however, though, we are looking at a scenario where we may be able to get other persons interested in taking over the plant and continue production," Spencer said.

"While it is true that another OECS (Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States) member state would be the beneficiary of the production, it will now be out of St Vincent, we are concerned about the fact that it will have an impact here in terms of employment and other considerations. We are looking at possible alternatives," Spencer said, noting that he had spoken with Finance Minister Harold Lovell asking him "to just have some friendly discussions" with officials of the plant that is owned by Empresas Leon Jimenes SA of the Dominican Republic.

Spencer said his administration would not sit idly by and allow the plant to shift its operations, with Antigua being only a distribution point for any product from the Antigua Brewery.

The Antigua & Barbuda Workers Union (ABWU) has warned of the implication for the brewery shifting its production base to another country, saying it may encourage other investors to follow suit.

ABWU general secretary David Massiah said the plans to send home the workers require urgent government attention.

Massiah said the union had met with officials of the company and had initially proposed that the move to St Vincent be done temporarily while the facility is upgraded and renovated.

- CMC