Justin Wilshaw stated that construction is proceeding as planned to meet the end-of-year deadline photo credit: NewsCo

​

The establishment of an 18-hole golf course on the island of Barbuda has raised concerns among some environmentalists, but project president Justin Wilshaw stated that construction is proceeding as planned to meet the end-of-year deadline.

The Barbuda Ocean Club, along with a residential village, was described on its website as a “getaway to the ultimate Caribbean hideaway where a private paradise awaits” and has been hosting guests since December 2023.

Wilshaw mentioned on state media that over 40 staff members are working on the golf course daily, with plans to expand, and around 20 to 30 new properties are being developed each year.

Wilshaw also emphasized that over 400 independent contractors are based on site, totaling more than 800 people working there every day.

He added that the project will eventually have over 400 properties, requiring at least 2,000 people to maintain them, making it a significant endeavor.

Despite being proud of the project’s size and progress, Wilshaw acknowledged that it presents challenges but expressed gratitude for the support from the government and the people of Antigua and Barbuda.

While the project offers substantial economic benefits, some Barbudans are worried about its environmental impact. Environmentalists and locals have expressed concerns about the potential harm to Barbuda’s fragile ecosystem.

In 2020, the Global Legal Action Network filed a complaint with the Ramsar Secretariat in Geneva, alleging that the club’s construction destroyed crucial wetlands.

Documents have pointed to the potential risks to human life and the island’s water system, while the Department of Environment warned of threats to wildlife and ecosystems.

The Global Coral Reef Alliance also suggested that the project should be rejected for various reasons.