Barbuda Council Ditches Meeting with Cabinet | Government to Ban Export of Sand from Antigua and Barbuda

The Barbuda Council has decided not to attend today’s meeting with the Cabinet to discuss a ten-point agenda covering important issues.

According to the Cabinet notes, the Joint Coordinating Committee, which includes the Barbuda Council and Cabinet members, was expected to meet on Thursday, October 10th.

The meeting was intended to cover ten significant matters, such as the expansion of renewable energy, the construction of a new primary school, the allocation of $15 million for road improvements, and the implementation of a ban on the export of sand from both Antigua and Barbuda for domestic use only.

According to the notes, the Barbuda Council has requested an indefinite postponement.

The notes also disclosed that the Antigua and Barbuda parliament is likely to enact the ban into law due to the environmental damage caused by the large-scale removal of sand from Barbuda.

An environmental expert provided an assessment of the amount of sand extracted over the past 50 years and the impracticality of continuing this practice even for a short period.

The expert highlighted the impact of sand removal on freshwater aquifers, sand dunes reaching heights of 12 to 14 feet, and the damage to coral reefs, which help reduce wave energy during storms and ground swells.

“The Cabinet has therefore agreed to prohibit the fishing of parrot fish, as they contribute significantly to the creation of the sand that covers the 62 square miles of land in Barbuda,” reported the spokesperson.

In a related development, the Cabinet discussed the accomplishments of Barbuda, particularly the opening of the Barbuda International Airport, which is expected to be renamed the Burton-Nibbs International Airport.

The Cabinet noted the absence of the Barbuda Council at the opening ceremony, where more than 400 individuals filled all the seats set up on the tarmac for the event.

Additionally, over five aircraft were parked on the tarmac, bringing in more than 120 people for the ceremony.

The Cabinet deemed it a historic moment for the twin island state.

The Cabinet also acknowledged that several new projects are slated to commence in the upcoming year, including the construction of a deep-water harbor capable of accommodating cargo ships carrying multiple containers. It is highly likely that the new pier will be located in a different area than the current dock.