The government stands its ground in housing projects for Barbuda
The government remains steadfast in its commitment to a planned development programme, despite a tense standoff between law enforcement and members of the Barbuda Council, along with other villagers strongly opposed to the project.
The Barbuda Council has accused the government of bypassing its authority and violating the rights of Barbudans by clearing lands at Katel Hill—lands allocated to residents—without prior consultation.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne described the actions of some Barbudans as “lawlessness” and warned against violating the law.
“I just want to make it abundantly clear to those who believe that they can break the laws of this country with impunity that we will spare no effort in pursuing them legally,” Browne said.
Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin supported the Prime Minister’s stance, asserting that the protests were misguided and citing a Privy Council ruling that places Barbuda’s lands under Crown ownership.
“They brought the case, you know, against us to say that the lands are owned by them. They lost at every stage, and Trevor Walker said in Parliament if you can remember, ‘I am guided and bound by the decision of the Privy Council,’” the AG said.
Both officials stressed that order must prevail.
“The Privy Council ruled in favour of the government, and who is at the head of this misguided situation? The same Trevor Walker,” said the Attorney General.
Tensions escalated last week when two government trucks were reportedly used to block an excavator clearing the land.
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Comments (4)
Randolin Richards January 27, 2025, 7:56 AM
Stone January 27, 2025, 9:24 AM
Donna January 27, 2025, 12:16 PM
Juju Bee January 28, 2025, 8:00 AM
These people are too damn entitled.