Barbuda Council and the government agree on a joint committee

The Barbuda Council and the government have agreed in principle to form a joint consultative committee to address issues on Barbuda.

The Commonwealth Secretariat recommended this committee in 2000 to ensure dialogue and information sharing between the government and the Council. The Council has expressed concerns about the lack of consultation on decisions affecting Barbuda.

The government has also agreed to address back pay owed to the Barbuda Council, road improvements, and crime prevention on the island.

The joint committee’s formation and the resolution of these issues will be crucial for the future relationship between the Barbuda Council and the central government.

According to notes from the Cabinet, the Parliamentary Representative of Barbuda Trevor Walker led the delegation of 7 officials.

He applauded the Prime Minister for improving the engagement with the Council, overcoming an acrimonious relation which had its beginnings many years ago.

In the year 2000, a Joint Consultative Committee (JCC) was established with the help of the Commonwealth; it consisted of three members of the Barbuda Council and three members of the Government.

That proposal was accepted by the Cabinet and the Prime Minister is to be the chairperson (with a casting vote).

An agreement was reached to make payments of back-pay up to $500,000. The Cabinet also agreed to provide up to ECD$10 million dollars in roadwork.

At present, Palmetto Point is accessible only by the beach or the sea because the road is now within leased property; the Cabinet gave assurances that roadways perpendicular to the sea would create accessibility to the beach, as is the law in Antigua and Barbuda.

The issue of land adjudication is now before the High Court and the Barbuda Council’s attorney was not present; therefore, the issue was not discussed. Constructing a Golf Course on the northern side of Barbuda was also put forward. Until there was a map of the area intended to be so utilized, the Council members felt that they could not address the issue.