Gov’t attorney rejects claims that the Barbuda airport might be demolished.

The legal battle over constructing a new airport in Barbuda continues as the government faces opposition from appellants John Mussington and Jacklyn Frank.

Leslie Thomas KC, lawyer for the appellants, has suggested that the government should tear down the airport and follow proper legal procedures as set out in the Physical Planning Act 2003 and other laws.

However, Dr. David Dorsett, who represented the government in the case, dismissed the notion and explained that several factors prevented the destruction of the facility, which is soon to be officially completed.

Speaking on the Observer AM show earlier this week, Dr. Dorsett responded to Thomas’ statements and said that the case “has not been resurrected to life eternal; like Lazarus, it will die because when one looks at enforcement”.

He also explained that several considerations must be taken into account before any corrective action can be undertaken, such as the statement of policy issued by the minister relative to the development, the nature and extent of the breach, the extent of the damage to the environment, the likely expense involved in bringing remedial measures, and what is going to be the benefit.

Dr. Dorsett emphasized that the airport was not like a sandcastle that can be easily washed away by the sea.

He also noted that it’s time for regional governments to accept that times have changed and that what used to be acceptable in the Eastern Caribbean is no longer acceptable.

However, Dr. Dorsett reiterated that having an airport in Barbuda is a good thing, comparing it to the airports on Saint Martin/Sint Maarten.

He pointed out that the government considers the appellants to be “busybodies” and that having an international airport in Barbuda is critical to the sister isle’s economy and development.