Prime Minister Gaston Browne has strongly denied allegations of racial discrimination at the newly opened Barbuda International Airport, specifically regarding the use of separate facilities for private jets. Speaking out against claims that the airport is creating one terminal for white passengers and another for locals, Browne clarified that the distinction is based on flight operations, not race.
During his weekly Browne and Browne show, Browne explained that the airport follows standard aviation practices by providing different terminals for commercial and private jet passengers.
He drew comparisons to similar arrangements at airports worldwide, including in Antigua, where private jet operations occur in separate fixed-base operations (FBOs).
“This is no different than what we have in Antigua, where private jets use facilities like Signature Aviation while commercial passengers use the main terminal,” Browne clarified.
The Prime Minister pointed out that FBOs are a premium service, catering to those who can afford private jets and specialized treatment, many of whom happen to be wealthy individuals.
“It so happens that the majority of private jet owners are Caucasian because they control most of the world’s wealth,” Browne stated, acknowledging the reality of wealth distribution without endorsing any racial bias.
Browne also highlighted that black individuals, including those with properties on Barbuda, can access the same private jet services if they choose. He condemned what he described as a deliberate effort by some to spread “disinformation and lies” to stir up racial tensions. According to Browne, these tactics are being used to exploit the fears of the Barbudan people and garner political support.
“This is not about race, and it certainly isn’t about discrimination,” Browne continued. “What we are seeing here is an attempt to provoke anger and division by misrepresenting facts. The facilities at Barbuda International Airport are designed to accommodate different types of air traffic, and this is standard practice around the world.”
Plans for the airport’s permanent terminal, which will cost between $10 and $15 million, include expanding facilities to accommodate increased traffic. Browne reiterated that these developments are part of the government’s broader vision for modernizing infrastructure on Barbuda and integrating the island into global commerce.
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Unfortunately a lot of us do not know and many do not know that they don’t know. So instead of moving on with the next battle we will do all that we can to destroy that airport bringing us back to the stone age. So very unfortunate.
The PM is right on this. Anyone saying differently is either lying or just plain ignorant of how airports operate around the world.
This type of arrangement also allow for the movement of drugs, guns and other contrabands into and through the Nation.
Let not your heart be troubled PM Browne, we are in good stead with your visionary leadership. God has sent you with a purpose to lead us in this perilous time of wickedness, envy, bad mind, greed, rumour mongering, women trying to be men and men trying to be women, jealousy, stealing from government, council say fu work 8 hrs an dem only work two, selfishness and the last but not least not having the fear of God. Trevor pay attention.
@drugs, contraband, drugs, ammo! Are you suggesting that it’s not happening now, or wasn’t happening before? Just think about it for a minute. Some are so blinded politically, that anything good that is not your party do it, is just NEVER good enough!
Anyways, ask Trevor about Barbuda, he knows!
The special accommodation made for the white, wealthy class constitutes a bias treatment. To be bias is to give preferences to one person over the other, and for that reason, the government cannot deny its a discriminatory practice. But beyond that, the government is creating two different worlds in Barbuda. One for the rich. Another for Barbudans, and neither will be allowed to be in the same place at anytime. It is a world of class differences and privileges recognizable the moment you land in Barbuda. The deplorable thing, is that rich are allowed to have anything they want and Brown will always be happy to grant them their hearts’ desires.