Prime Minister Gaston Browne urged Trevor Walker’s Barbuda People’s Movement and the Opposition to end their efforts to obstruct the development of the Sister Isle.

The Prime Minister expressed concern over what he perceived as schemes and conspiracies being hatched by the opposition to prevent progress and growth in Barbuda

Speaking at the official opening of a hybrid solar energy plant for Barbuda, he emphasized that such activities would only hamper the government’s efforts to develop Barbuda for the people’s benefit.

“We are well on our way to making Barbuda a green organic, sustainable island community, perhaps the only within the Caribbean, and this is testimony towards the commitment towards the advancement of Barbuda and its people,” he said

Browne said his administration will continue to advance the people who have been left behind for decades.

“We want Barbudans to be the wealthiest among all citizens in the Caribbean and we have the opportunity to do so”, he said

During the presentation, when Browne was speaking, some Barbudans in the audience reacted with asides and gestures which suggested that they were not fully convinced or in agreement with what he was saying. I been due to various reasons such as cultural differences, past experiences or other factors.

“I see some of our political opponents shaking their heads, I say to you, instead of seeking to divide our unitary state, you need to join us and ensure we continue to advance our country and to do so equitably. What is happening is that every initiative we have perused on Antigua we are perusing on Barbuda,” he explained

PM Browne is convinced that if investment opportunists continue to evolve in Barbuda, it could become one of the wealthiest island destinations within the Caribbean, eclipsing destinations like St Barts

“What we need is for each Barbudan to buy into this vision and stand on the truth. You cannot have harmony when you have people standing on lies and I want to encourage these individuals who continue to peddle to cease and desist and join us in developing the island”, he said

Browne’s statement highlights the irony of Barbudans rejoicing over the inauguration of a solar plant while simultaneously criticizing the government that facilitated its establishment.

The relationship between the government and the Barbuda Council have been very contentions over the past years, now more so, since the government announced its intentions to sell lands there.

For centuries, land on Barbuda has been owned collectively, with no individual ownership. However, in a significant move last June, the government amended the Registered Land Act to shift the common land ownership system in place for three centuries.

These changes allow individuals and investors to own land on the island for the first time. The new land ownership laws have sparked constitutional debates, with some questioning the legality of the changes.

Despite this, Prime Minister Gaston Browne has affirmed that his government will move forward with the plan.

The government believes that this move will attract more investment and economic development to the island while also providing new opportunities for the local population.

While there have been attempts to halt the government’s plan through the legal system, Browne is pushing forward with the plan.

Despite any potential opposition, the government seems determined to pursue its vision.

“The land issue is a settled issue, and if you wish to continue to stand on a lie, that is your problem. Notwithstanding your disruptive behavior, you cannot stop the advancement of this island…there is no other prime minister and administration that has done more for Barbuda …so stand on the truth,” he said

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