By Robert Andre Emmanuel
The Barbuda Council has filed legal action against the government over the land adjudication process currently underway on the sister isle.
A team from the Council, led by Barbuda MP Trevor Walker, met with the Cabinet on Wednesday to discuss a number of issues including the establishment of a joint consultative committee for the two islands, along with crime and road infrastructure.
MP Walker noted that one of the issues that arose during the meeting was the land adjudication – a legal procedure that determines the ownership and boundaries of land – being led by Deputy Governor General Sir Clare Roberts.
Initially slated for May 2024, the process aims to create an accurate record of land use and ownership on the island.
Barbuda Council Chairman Devon Warner criticised the central government in May for starting the process without proper consultation, calling it disrespectful to both the Council and the people of Barbuda.
On Wednesday, MP Walker said that the Council was not prepared to discuss the matter with the Cabinet as it was the subject of legal proceedings at that time.
“I want to inform the public that the Council filed an action in the courts [on Wednesday] and is challenging the adjudication that is going on in Barbuda.
“We are of the view that the adjudication is illegal, and we said in no uncertain terms to the Cabinet that we’re not agreeing with that,” he said.
MP Walker also revealed that the Council was prepared to take legal action against PLH developers over restricted access to Palmetto Point.
According to Walker, PLH has blocked off the traditional access road to Palmetto Point, preventing residents from using a route they have relied on for years.
“The Barbuda Council totally denounces the fact that PLH has blocked off the access to Palmetto Point by not allowing persons to no longer use that access road that we used for years,” Walker stated.
In response to these concerns, the Cabinet, including Prime Minister Gaston Browne, has pledged to address the situation.
However, the Barbuda Council said they were not waiting idly by in the meantime.
“The Barbuda Council will be taking action on that matter if the matter is not resolved, so that Barbudans can have access to Palmetto Point once again,” Walker said.
He added that they have already contacted legal counsel to explore their options.
