New Barbuda Council Headed by John Mussington Takes Office

John Mussington Elected Chairman as New Barbuda Council Takes Office Amid Calls for Unity and Resistance

BARBUDA – April 8, 2025 – The newly elected Barbuda Council convened its first official meeting at the Fisheries Complex on Monday morning, swearing in members and appointing leaders to various standing committees. John Mussington was unanimously elected as the new Chairman of the Barbuda Council, with Nadia George, now the longest-serving female council member, selected as Deputy Chair.

The meeting began with a word of prayer, followed by congratulations extended to newly elected members: Nicole Antonio, Melanie Beezer, Jacqueline Frank, Wade Burton, and Nadia George. MP Trevor Walker, presiding over the initial proceedings, emphasized the legal and constitutional authority of the Council under the Barbuda Local Government Act.

Walker responded to recent remarks by Prime Minister Gaston Browne suggesting a referendum to disband the Council, stating firmly that any constitutional change would require a two-thirds majority in Parliament—a threshold the government does not currently meet. “The people of Barbuda voted overwhelmingly, and that mandate must be respected,” he declared.

John Mussington, in accepting the role of Chairman, pledged to uphold the Barbuda Local Government Act and maintain continuity in defending the rights and identity of Barbudans. “We cannot ease up in this fight,” Mussington said, urging colleagues to remain focused on delivering for the community.

The Council proceeded to elect chairs and deputy chairs for its nine committees:

• Finance Committee: Chair – Trevor Walker, Deputy – Wade Burton
• Health & Social Welfare: Chair – Wade Burton, Deputy – Sharima Myers
• Works & General Purposes: Chair – Devon Warner, Deputy – Wade Burton
• Agriculture & Lands: Chair – Jacqueline Frank, Deputy – Senator Fabian Jones
• Fisheries & Coastal Protection: Chair – Nicole Antonio, Deputy – Jacqueline Frank
• Tourism & Culture: Chair – Nadia George, Deputy – Sharima Myers
• Utilities: Chair – Melanie Beezer, Deputy – Senator Fabian Jones
• Sports & Youth Affairs: Chair – Fitzroy Warner, Deputy – Sharima Myers
• Education & Training: Chair – Sharima Myers, Deputy – Trevor Walker

Mussington and several councillors echoed concerns that the central government’s increasing scrutiny and resistance threaten local autonomy. “If this continues, we risk being dictated to from across the waters,” Mussington warned. Calls were made for a united Council to push back against external attempts to undermine Barbuda’s land rights and governance.

Deputy Chair Nadia George stressed the importance of transparent communication and youth empowerment, calling for improved dialogue between the Council and the people. “We must send a clear message to the government: allow the Barbuda Council to carry out its full responsibilities as set out in the Constitution,” she stated.

Other newly elected members also delivered heartfelt remarks. Nicole Antonio thanked voters for their trust and promised to focus on service. Melanie Beezer and Wade Burton committed to continuing the work in utilities and health, respectively. Jacqueline Frank invoked cultural pride and historical resilience, while Fitzroy Warner vowed to revive Barbuda’s sporting scene with technical training and youth development.

Devon Warner, chairing the Works Committee, outlined plans to improve community infrastructure and cleanliness in Codrington. “The process might be slow, but it continues. And we’re going to complete what we’ve started,” he said.

Senator Fabian Jones recommended the establishment of a Legal Affairs Department, while Devon Warner added that a Communications Unit is equally essential to improve public engagement. Both proposals will be reviewed at the next council meeting.

In a post-meeting interview, Chairman Mussington reaffirmed his commitment to lawful governance, community service, and communication. “This is not about personalities. It’s about the law,” he said. “We’ll continue to function and insist that the Constitution be respected.”

Deputy Chair George also laid out her vision for tourism and culture, including upgrades to the River Dock and Two Foot Bay, along with new initiatives to highlight Barbuda’s eco-tourism appeal and artisan economy.

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