June 19, 2026

How the Harrison Foundation Is Creating Jobs and Opportunities in Antigua and Barbuda

Following the unveiling of the restored Government House in April, attention is now turning to the long-term impact the project will have for Antigua and Barbuda.

The restoration has secured the future of one of the country’s most important historic buildings while creating a new educational and cultural resource for residents, schools and visitors.

Delivered by the Heritage Trust of Antigua and Barbuda, the project has transformed Government House into both a preserved national landmark and the home of the new Government House Museum. The museum will provide opportunities for learning and public engagement through exhibitions and displays that explore the history and development of Antigua and Barbuda.

While the restoration itself represents a significant achievement, the long-term value of the project lies in how the site will now be used.

The museum has been designed to support schools, community groups and visitors, creating greater access to the country’s heritage and providing opportunities for future generations to learn more about the people, events and institutions that have shaped modern Antigua and Barbuda.

The project has also delivered benefits beyond the completed building. Throughout the restoration programme, local contractors and tradespeople have worked alongside heritage specialists, helping to develop skills and experience that can support future conservation projects across the region.

 

The next phase of the project will also create new employment opportunities within the local community. The Government House Museum is expected to provide at least 20 full-time jobs, supporting the ongoing operation of the site and helping to ensure that its benefits extend well beyond its role as a visitor attraction. Many of these opportunities will be supported through The Harrison Centre for Social Mobility, creating pathways into employment while helping to develop skills that will benefit both individuals and the wider community.

Our founder, Sir David Harrison, has played a significant role in the delivery of the project. As a board member of the Heritage Trust of Antigua and Barbuda and the principal funder of the restoration, he has helped guide the project over a number of years, supporting both the vision and the practical delivery of the work.

His involvement reflects a longstanding commitment to projects that combine heritage, education and community benefit. Through the support of Sir David and other partners, the Trust has been able to preserve an important part of Antigua and Barbuda’s history while creating a public asset that will continue to serve the country for many years to come.

The project also strengthens Antigua and Barbuda’s cultural and tourism offering. By opening up greater public access to an important historic site, Government House will help increase awareness of the country’s history while providing an additional cultural destination for visitors.

As preparations continue ahead of the museum’s full public opening later this year, the focus is increasingly shifting from restoration to operation. The next phase of the project will centre on ensuring that the building fulfils its potential as a place of learning, engagement, employment and cultural preservation.

For the Harrison Foundation, the project demonstrates the impact that can be achieved through long-term investment and partnership. Alongside programmes supporting education, sport and social mobility, heritage projects can play an important role in creating opportunities, preserving history and strengthening communities.

The restoration of Government House is not only preserving an important part of Antigua and Barbuda’s past. It is helping to create new opportunities for learning, employment and community engagement that will benefit future generations for years to come.