Barbuda international airport still the subject of legal proceedings

The Gaston Browne Administration has been announcing the opening of the new international airport on Barbuda for years. Tomorrow Thursday 3rd October is scheduled for the long spoken of event.

BLRRC takes this opportunity to remind the Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority (ABAA), Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority (ECCAA), Peace Love and Happiness (PLH) and its partners, the general public and those expecting to land private jets on this airport that it is still the subject of court proceedings.

There is a Judicial Review (JR) pending which is expected to determine whether those responsible followed the Laws of Antigua and Barbuda when planning and building this facility.

The judgement from the Privy Council which confirmed the standing of the claimants in the JR states:- “If, as a result of any subsequent procedure, a court finds that the DCA acted without its power then it
will be for the court to determine what remedy, if any, should be afforded to the appellants. The remedies potentially available would include an order requiring the land to be restored to its original state.”

The first court hearing for the judicial review is scheduled for early November. Questions to be considered include whether the requirements of the Physical Planning Act were followed for example with regards to Environmental Impact Assessments public notices and consultations.

The Physical Planning Act and the Development Control Authority exist to ensure the proper management of development in order to ensure protection of the environment, public health and safety among other things. An international airport is a space which requires special attention to security, health and safety.