Family Declines Honor for Sir Eric Burton in Barbuda Airport Naming
Just as the island of Barbuda was gearing up to celebrate the unveiling of its state-of-the-art international airport, a surprising twist has emerged in the naming of the facility.
The government’s recent announcement that the airport, set to welcome its first flights on October 3, 2024, would be christened the “Burton-Nibbs International Airport” has hit an unforeseen snag.
The family of the late Sir Eric Burton has respectfully requested that his name be withdrawn.
The Burton family’s stance was revealed through a heartfelt letter to the government.
“We humbly beg of you to consider our plea by not including Sir Eric’s name on the new international airport,” the family wrote.
Their request stems from a desire to maintain the distinct nature of Sir Eric’s contributions to Barbuda.
The family’s letter paints a picture of Sir Eric as a man whose impact on Barbuda transcended mere infrastructure or economic development. They described him as a custodian of cultural heritage, whose legacy “spanned many decades” and who “represented an era that should never be forgotten.”
They also acknowledged Nibbs’ significant role in the airport’s development, suggesting that he alone should be recognized for this specific project.
This story was first published by Antigua News on September 20, 2024: antigua.news/2024/09/20/family-declines-honor-for-sir-eric-burton-in-barbuda-airport-naming. © 2024 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.
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Comments (4)
Faithful national #1 September 20, 2024, 11:01 AM
But, dead men tell no tales. What a pity, though, because I know that Eric Burton would have been proud, honored and delighted to have had the airport 🛫 named in his hour. His ungrateful family, most of whom live abroad and who have no interest in promoting progress in Barbuda, is undoubtedly behind this move. They seem intent on erasing the historic significance of this outstanding son of the soil. Leave them be to their “moonlight pan tick mentality. Please! Moving right along.
Walton punter September 20, 2024, 1:01 PM
One of his many niece's September 20, 2024, 1:08 PM
No tnx September 20, 2024, 3:33 PM