PM Browne Slams Barbuda Protesters as ‘Misled and Lawless’ in Defence of Housing Project

Barbuda Protests: PM Browne Defends Housing Project Amid Tensions

Prime Minister Gaston Browne has defended his government’s housing project in Barbuda, rejecting claims of intimidation and inadequate consultation amid growing opposition from residents and the Barbuda Council. The development has sparked protests on the island, with demonstrators accusing the government of undermining Barbuda’s communal landownership traditions.

Mr. Browne argued that the land in Barbuda is legally vested in the Crown, a point he said was “settled law.” He dismissed claims that the Barbuda Council or individual residents have ownership rights over the land being cleared for the housing project.

“The only legal ownership of the land is vested in the Crown, not in the Barbuda Council or any individual,” he said. “Our policy is to empower Barbudans by offering each adult up to one acre of freehold land—a step away from the outdated concept of communal land tenancy.”

The Prime Minister described the initiative as part of a broader effort to address historical disparities in development between Barbuda and Antigua, calling the policy “a form of reparations.”

Protesters have accused the government of failing to adequately consult with the Barbuda Council, which they claim breaches governance protocols. Mr. Browne, however, insisted that multiple consultations had taken place and pointed to a proposed meeting in October 2024 with the Joint Consultative Committee (JCC), which the Council declined to attend.

“There is no legal requirement for the Cabinet to seek permission from the Barbuda Council to proceed with development,” Mr. Browne said. “We have engaged the Council repeatedly, but they continue to shift the goalposts.”

Protesters have also criticized the deployment of armed police to the area, labelling it an act of intimidation. The Prime Minister defended the presence of law enforcement, saying it was necessary to maintain order and ensure work on the site could continue uninterrupted.

Mr. Browne accused some protest leaders of misleading Barbudans about their land rights and using the issue for political gain ahead of upcoming council elections. He referred to the protests as a “political stunt” and said his administration would not be deterred.

“This is about misinformation and politics,” he said. “Every development initiative we have pursued in Barbuda has faced resistance from the Council. Despite this, we remain committed to improving the lives of Barbudans.”

The Prime Minister reiterated his government’s commitment to the project, which includes housing, a golf course, and renewable energy facilities. He warned that those obstructing the work could face legal consequences.

“We respect the right to peaceful protest, but no one is above the law,” he said. “Those who break the law will be held accountable.”

Mr. Browne also expressed willingness to continue consultations with the Council, saying, “We remain open to dialogue, but we will not compromise development for political expediency.”

The protests highlight longstanding tensions over land rights and governance in Barbuda, where a communal landownership system has been central to the island’s identity. The government’s plans are likely to remain a point of contention, with international observers closely monitoring developments.

Efforts to balance national development with local concerns will continue to test the relationship between the government and the people of Barbuda in the weeks ahead.

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