The National Parks Authority (NPA) has taken note of the press release issued by Mr. Paddy Prendergast on behalf of Lucky Eddi’s, announcing the immediate closure of the business. While we regret the closure of any establishment, it is important to correct several inaccuracies and provide the public with the factual context surrounding this matter.
The NPA’s core responsibility under the law is to preserve the integrity, safety and sustainability of the Nelson’s Dockyard National Park (“the National Park”). The Regulations which address persons and operations in the National Park, including the 2014 Trading Regulations and the 2012 General Regulations, are designed to do just that. This includes upholding regulatory standards for environmental protection, structural safety, compliance with laws and regulations and public order. This responsibility takes on even more significance internationally as the Nelson’s Dockyard National Park houses the “Antigua Naval Dockyard and Related Archaeological Sites”which are recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In keeping with the policy directive given by the Minister for the NPA, the Honourable E.P. Chet Greene, the NPA is committed to bringing to National Parks a balance between commerce, the interest of residents and its statutory mandate.
The NPA strongly rejects any suggestion that Lucky Eddi’s has been unfairly singled out. On the contrary, the record clearly shows that the NPA has gone above and beyond to support the business’s continued operations while encouraging it to bring itself into full compliance.
The event fee for the 2024 Heineken Party was waived entirely for Lucky Eddi’s. This further demonstrated the NPA’s flexibility and willingness to work with businesses in the area, especially when they are demonstrating an effort to comply with the Regulations and the Laws.
The need for structured event controls was reinforced by the issues arising out of the 2024 “Heineken Party” hosted at Lucky Eddi’s for which the NPA had given its approval, subject to strict safety conditions set by both the NPA and the Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda. Unfortunately, these conditions were not followed by the owners of Lucky Eddi’s. This resulted in a public safety hazard which required police intervention. The incident concreted the NPA’s policy decision to scale back high-risk, paid events within the Dockyard and Falmouth Harbour areas, such as the event “Reggae in the Park” which is privately organized by a third party. Consequently, the Interpretation Centre had been identified as the venue within the National Parks for these type of large scale events. The 2024 “Reggae in the Park” and the 2024 English Harbour Rum Party which drew large crowds were held at the Interpretation Centre.
In 2022 Lucky Eddi’s started operations in the National Parks before an application for a licence under the Trading Regulations was submitted. In an attempt to regularize this position under the Trading Regulations, the NPA has been working with the owners of Lucky Eddi’s to address a range of serious compliance concerns, including:
- Inadequate wastewater treatment and environmental safeguards
- Fire safety and occupancy capacity issues
- Excessive and late noise complaints from surrounding businesses and residents
With a firm commitment from the owners, the NPA allowed Lucky Eddi’s to continue operations while efforts were made by the owners to regularize the concerns identified.
In fact, the NPA has demonstrated considerable leniency with respect to Lucky Eddi’s operating since 2022. NPA has permitted the various events which have been enumerated in the Press Statement issued by Mr. Prendergast including the 2025 Oyster Regatta Closing Party. This does not support the allegation of “the threat of immediate enforced closure remains a possibility”. The NPA has not issued any notice to this effect to Lucky Eddi’s.
In March 2025, the organizers of two specific large-scale events associated with the Sailing Week namely, “Reggae in the Park” and the Heineken Party had planned to hold these events at Lucky Eddi’s. The NPA did not grant permission due to the ongoing non-compliance with the conditions and safety standards imposed since 2024. The alternative more suitable venue of the Interpretation Centre was again offered to the organizers in keeping with the previous policy decision. The NPA offered this venue free of charge to both organizers. The offer was declined.
These were policy-based decisions aimed at maintaining order and safety and attaining compliance with the Regulations; not punitive actions against any one business.
The implementation of parking restrictions in the Dockyard, Falmouth Harbour and English Harbour areas including double lines on the main highway is consistent with internationally accepted best practices for managing visitor traffic in high-density, heritage and tourism zones. These measures are intended to ensure pedestrian safety, emergency access and reduce congestion, particularly during peak seasons and special events.
For years, parking in the National Park was largely unmanaged. However, increasing visitor numbers and commercial activity have made formal regulation necessary. Park-and-ride systems have long been used during major events such as Sailing Week and the same principles are now being applied more consistently.
These measures were based on sound expert risk management principles and are applied fairly and consistently. Reviewing licence structure and operating practices is not a foreign concept to any business including statutory corporations.
It is both misleading and disappointing to portray the efforts of the NPA as punitive. They are, in fact, part of the NPA’s broader strategy to protect the safety and experience of all Park users-residents, businesses and visitors alike.
The public is assured of the NPA’s commitment to maintain law and order in the National Park including the compliance by commercial enterprises and citizens with the legislative framework set in place by successive administrations for the improvement and upliftment of the maritime product and services by which The Dockyard is distinguished.
The NPA thanks the patrons and staff who contributed to the vibrancy of the venue and reaffirm our commitment to engaging all stakeholders in a constructive and transparent manner.
