The judge assigned to preside over the Barbuda land adjudication case against the government has recused herself, raising questions about the future timeline of the hearing.
Justice Jan Drysdale announced her decision on Tuesday at the start of the proceedings between the Barbuda Council and the Attorney General.
After lawyers Carla Brookes-Harris, representing the AG’s office, and Leslie Thomas, representing the Council, introduced themselves, Justice Drysdale informed the court that another judge would take over the case. She did not disclose her reasons for stepping down.
The case revolves around the controversial land adjudication process on Barbuda, which seeks to determine ownership and land boundaries. The process, overseen by government-appointed adjudicator Sir Clare Roberts, marks a significant departure from Barbuda’s 300-year tradition of communal land ownership, potentially allowing land to be sold for the first time.
This shift has sparked heated debate. Last year, the government amended legislation to permit Barbudans to purchase the land they occupy for a nominal $1. Critics, including members of the Barbuda Council, have accused the government of orchestrating a land grab, selling land to wealthy foreigners, and exploiting post-disaster recovery efforts to push their agenda.
In 2022, the Privy Council dismissed a case brought by two Barbudans arguing that the land belongs to the community. That ruling effectively cleared the way for the government to implement its current land policies.
While opponents view the initiative as a threat to Barbuda’s heritage, the government contends that the process will resolve longstanding disputes and modernise land management on the sister island.
