Antigua and Barbuda is set to expand its collection of world-famous beaches with the development of a new sustainable coastal attraction that will bring the twin-island nation’s total number of beaches to 366.

Prime Minister Gaston Browne announced that work is underway on the project, named Peace Beach, which is expected to be completed ahead of Antigua and Barbuda’s hosting of the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in November.

Speaking on his weekly radio programme on June 13, Browne said the project is being developed with sustainability in mind and will include an artificial beach and an artificial reef system designed to support marine life.

The name “Peace Beach” has a personal meaning for the prime minister, who said it was inspired by his young daughter, Peace, as well as his own role as a “peace practitioner” and advocate for global peace.

He joked that the beach could become a place where people resolve disagreements, saying: “Anyone who has any conflict, they can always go to Peace Beach to settle the conflict.”

The project is being developed on land near Barnacle Point and was conceived partly as a way to repurpose material from dredging associated with the West Indies Oil Company’s liquefied natural gas project.

Browne said using the dredged material for the beach development would avoid the cost of disposing of it at sea.

The project will also feature a reef system, with specially designed reef modules currently being manufactured in the United States and expected to arrive in Antigua in the coming weeks.

According to Browne, the structures will help create habitats for marine species including coral, sponges, lobsters and reef fish.

“These reefs are constructed in such a way that they have specific types of openings and spaces to attract marine life,” he said, explaining that the system was designed using scientific specifications rather than simply placing materials underwater.

The area will also be landscaped with coconut palms, sea grape trees and almond trees, which Browne referred to as “peace trees.”

Beyond creating a new recreational space, the prime minister said the project will also serve as an educational site focused on Antigua and Barbuda’s marine environment.

He said the reef system could eventually support coral restoration efforts similar to initiatives already underway in Barbuda, where climate change has contributed to coral bleaching.

“Most of our coral reefs have been bleached as a result of climate change,” Browne said. “This is our part in literally restoring the environment and even enhancing the environment.”

A second phase of the project could include a monument honouring Antigua and Barbuda’s national heroes, with Browne envisioning a space featuring the country’s icons seated around a table.

The prime minister said the project is being funded primarily by members of his family as a contribution toward creating a public space combining recreation, conservation and national heritage.