By Aabigayle McIntosh

The Parliamentary Secretary within the Ministry of Barbuda Affairs is among those expressing disappointment over the absence of Members of the Barbuda Council at the opening of the new international airport last Thursday.

Senator Knacyntar Nedd-Charles described the event as both a significant and bittersweet moment.

“I was very emotional at one point, as were some Barbudans, witnessing the realization of this new international airport,” she said.

“On the flip side, I was disappointed. For such a momentous occasion, I expected both schools on Barbuda—primary and secondary—should have been closed,” she added, explaining that she viewed it as an educational opportunity for students of all ages.

Senator Nedd-Charles, like Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff Lionel Max Hurst, was encouraged by the recent meeting between members of the Barbuda Council and the Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda, where several issues were resolved.

Government officials had expressed optimism, believing this meeting was a step in the right direction.

“I also believed that meeting would ease the antagonistic relationship between the Council and the Government. Many Barbudans were excited to see the Council and Government on the same wavelength regarding development for Antigua and Barbuda—or so we thought,” Nedd-Charles stated.

Despite the absence of the Barbuda Council at the event, Nedd-Charles is pleased that Prime Minister Gaston Browne extended another olive branch during the airport’s opening, reiterating the Government’s willingness to collaborate with the Barbuda Council on development matters for the island.