Leaking Roof Forces National Archives Staff Home as Irreplaceable Historical Documents Remain at Risk

Extensive repairs have reduced the immediate threat to Antigua and Barbuda’s irreplaceable historical records, but a leaking roof continues to keep National Archives staff working from home — and the moment the rains return in earnest, the mold crisis that triggered the crisis could begin all over again.

Director of the National Archives of Antigua and Barbuda Gavin Emmanuel said in an exclusive interview with Observer Media that crews from Public Works carried out extensive repairs at the Factory Road facility throughout March and April, significantly reducing the threat to sensitive archival records. However, the building’s leaking roof remains unrepaired, raising concerns that mold could return once heavy rains resume.

What Was Repaired

The repairs included the removal of mold-contaminated display materials, replacement of faulty air-conditioning units, installation of additional units to improve climate control throughout the building, interior painting, replacement of faulty light fixtures, retrofitting of several rooms, and extensive deep cleaning to remove mold growth from affected areas.

Among the materials removed were fabric display panels that had been installed when the Archives was first constructed. Over time, moisture buildup contributed to mold growth on the fabric and behind display cases mounted against walls near air-conditioning units.

“Nearly all faulty air-conditioning units were replaced and additional units installed, allowing staff to maintain the recommended preservation temperature of between 16 and 22 degrees Celsius for archival records,” Emmanuel said.

The Problem That Remains

Despite the improvements, the root cause of the crisis has not been addressed. A damaged section of the roof that was previously removed has not been replaced, leaving the facility vulnerable to water intrusion. Emmanuel cautioned that once rainfall returns, moisture could once again enter the building and create conditions favourable for mold growth.

For that reason, employees remain at home, as management fears recurring rainfall could quickly lead to renewed mold growth. Government Analytical Services had previously warned that moisture-damaged materials serve as havens for mold spores.

Workers Protected Throughout

Emmanuel was clear that staff have not been penalised for circumstances beyond their control.

“The workers themselves have been as much victims, negatively impacted by what has happened with the building,” he said. “To my mind, it would be double jeopardy to have them be in a situation where they can’t perform their duties and then as a result of that you want to penalize them.” He confirmed that employees have remained fully employed throughout the disruption, continuing to receive their salaries, benefits, and other entitlements.

Emmanuel said he recently spoke with senior Public Works technicians, who indicated they are actively working to address the roof repairs despite competing demands on the department’s resources.

A New Home on the Horizon

Plans for the permanent relocation of the National Archives continue to advance. Emmanuel confirmed that the former CIBC building on High Street has been identified as the institution’s future home after an earlier proposed relocation site became unavailable. The Archives has already met with Public Works officials and architects to discuss the specialised requirements needed for archival storage and preservation, with architects currently preparing floor plans and layouts designed to meet those standards.

While no timeline has been established for the move, Emmanuel said the project remains in the planning stage and retrofitting work can begin once the proposed designs receive final approval.

The National Archives holds documents — many of which exist as single copies — that are central to Antigua and Barbuda’s historical identity, legal records, and institutional memory. That the facility housing them sits under a damaged roof, with staff unable to return to work, is a situation that demands urgent resolution before the next heavy rainfall makes the decision for everyone.