Time to Move Forward: Taking Politics Out of the Barbuda Land Debate
For decades, the people of Barbuda have been embroiled in a heated debate over communal land rights. Despite numerous court battles, including a definitive loss to the Privy Council, the issue remains contentious. It’s time for Barbudans to take politics out of the fight and work with the government to develop the country.
At the heart of the issue is the notion that the land in Barbuda is communally owned. However, the Privy Council has ruled that the land belongs to the crown, meaning the government of Antigua and Barbuda. This ruling has been upheld despite numerous challenges, including those brought by Thomas Hilbourne Frank and The AG (1985), The Barbuda Council and The AG (1988), and MacKenzie Frank and others v. The AG (2022).
Rather than continuing to fight a losing battle, the Barbuda Council should work with the government to find a solution that benefits everyone. One possible solution is for Barbudans to purchase the lots they currently occupy for a nominal fee of $1, granting them deed to the land.
However, moving forward requires educating the public on the law and the Privy Council’s latest decision. This is where the lawyers on Constitutional Corner can play a crucial role. As experts in the field, they have a responsibility to break down the complexities of the law and explain the implications of the Privy Council’s decision.
Furthermore, Franz DeFreitas, who has built a reputation for discussing special court cases on his program, should dedicate a segment to explaining the Privy Council’s decision and its impact on the people of Barbuda. As someone who loves to discuss court cases, he has a unique opportunity to educate his listeners and provide clarity on this critical issue. To use a popular United Progressive Party (UPP) talking point, “we do not live in a vacuum”; let us follow the international rule of law.
It’s worth noting that the government has encouraged Barbudans to purchase these lots, but the Barbuda Council has been resistant to this idea. Some have suggested that this resistance is politically motivated, particularly with a Barbuda Council election on the horizon.
As a unitary state, Antigua and Barbuda should strive for consistency in its laws, including those related to land ownership. The current system, which allows Barbudans to buy land in Antigua but restricts Antiguans from buying land in Barbuda, is unfair and outdated.
It’s time for Barbudans to put aside their political differences and work toward a solution that benefits everyone. By doing so, they can unlock the full potential of their island and create a brighter future for themselves and their children. Let’s work together! As a calypsonian once said, “We want no separated celebration.”
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Barbuda must move away from Antigua in order to have a federal government with Antigua similar to Nevis & St.Kitts.
Barbudans are too independent to be servile under Corrupt Antigua.
To quote Trevor Walker in addressing Barbudans:
“…and seem to be on a protracted path of
-GAMBLING
-IDLENESS
-SEXUAL PROMISCUITY
-DRUG ABUSE
-ALCOHOL ABUSE
-BADMINDED-NESS
-COVETUOUS-NESS
-SELFISHNESS
-UNPRODUCTIVITY. People don’t want to work
-DECEITFULNESS
-People badminded and just covet other people
-LACK OF RESPECT FOR OTHERS
-LACK OF RESPECT FOR THOSE IN AUTHORITY
Council say work til 4 o’clock or 5 o’clock. You warn go home 10 o’clock
-LAZINESS
-THE LOVE FOR MONEY
-GREEDINESS
And the last one which I find is the most profound for me:
-OUR TURNING AWAY FROM GODLY THINGS”.
~Member of Parliament Trevor Walker
I accept that the government has control of the lands in Barbuda but this administration is corrupt to the core and that I believe is what the Barbudans are afraid of. Cast your mind back to the days when Lester Bird was Prime minister Barbuda was raped back and belly, some are of the opinion this administration is more corrupt. The Barbudans are very much afraid
I completely agree that it’s time to take politics out of the Barbuda land debate. The island deserves a solution that benefits its people, not political agendas. By focusing on the rights of the Barbuda residents and ensuring fair land distribution, we can create a future of shared prosperity for everyone. Let’s move forward with a unified approach
I’m not convinced that it’s entirely possible. Politics have always been intertwined with land ownership in the region, and shifting this dynamic could be more complicated than it appears. We need to be cautious and ensure that this ‘non-political’ approach doesn’t end up sidelining the interests of the people who have lived on the land for generations
Those 50 “TENANTS OF THE CROWN” need to pipe down. Stop allowing FEELINGS to rule them. the LAW don’t care about your little FEELINGS!!!