{"id":335904,"date":"2025-01-25T20:01:10","date_gmt":"2025-01-26T00:01:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dominicanewsonline.com\/news\/?p=335904"},"modified":"2025-01-25T20:11:06","modified_gmt":"2025-01-26T00:11:06","slug":"stand-off-between-police-and-barbudans-over-land-project-with-video","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dominicanewsonline.com\/news\/homepage\/homepage-carousel\/stand-off-between-police-and-barbudans-over-land-project-with-video\/","title":{"rendered":"Stand-off between police and Barbudans over land project [with video]"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/p>\n

In Barbuda, tensions have escalated as residents oppose government plans to clear land for a controversial housing project.<\/p>\n

Member of Parliament, Trevor Walker, has voiced strong opposition, emphasizing the necessity of proper consultation before any development proceeds.<\/p>\n

\"\"A gathering of passionate Barbudans, led by Walker, took place this morning at the site designated for the project to demonstrate their commitment to blocking any advancement of the proposal.<\/p>\n

The situation intensified as armed police confronted the demonstrators, highlighting the serious dedication both sides have to their respective positions.<\/p>\n

\u00a0Walker stated, \u201cWe are going to stand up as long as it takes to make sure that we don\u2019t disenfranchise our people. So Gaston Browne, our land is not for sale, and nobody can take it away from us.”<\/p>\n

Despite the local opposition, the government argues that the housing project is crucial for addressing the island’s housing shortages and enhancing infrastructure.<\/p>\n

The development plans include more than 200 homes, a shopping center, and additional amenities, which the government describes as part of a larger strategy to improve Barbuda’s infrastructure and meet the growing demands of its residents.<\/p>\n

In a ruling from 2022, the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council determined that the contested lands involved in the Paradise Found case are owned by the Crown, which has strengthened the government\u2019s stance.<\/p>\n

\"\"Following this ruling, the government introduced an amendment to the Registered Land Act in July 2023, enabling the registration and sale of land outside Codrington. This change also allows non-Barbudans, including residents of Antigua and foreign investors, to buy land in Barbuda, marking a significant shift from the island\u2019s longstanding tradition of communal land ownership reserved for Barbudans only.<\/p>\n

Conversely, the Barbuda Council views these legislative changes as a challenge to the island’s historical and legal principles.<\/p>\n

They contend that the ongoing land clearing activities at Katel Hill challenge their authority and fail to honor the unique communal land system that has long been a hallmark of Barbuda.<\/p>\n

Despite these persistent tensions, the government has shown a readiness to engage in discussions with the Council.<\/p>\n