St. Paul Weekly: Politics is often portrayed as an unprincipled, chaotic engagement. But at its core, politics is the science of life; governed by rules and the decisions made within it impact people’s lives in profound ways. Social and economic progress or stagnation, are the results of political decisions, frequently referred to as “policy interventions.” If we acknowledge this truism, we must also accept that honesty and decency are fundamental to national success. As a Christian community, we can draw on several biblical passages in support of this principle.
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Recent events in Barbuda exemplify just how political noise, if left unchecked, can obscure truth and hinder national development. The manufactured controversy surrounding land ownership is not just misleading; it is counterproductive. Rather than fostering constructive discourse, some opposition elements seem intent on sowing confusion and division, disregarding the legal and political realities that govern our nation.
Let’s examine some indisputable facts:
1. Land Ownership in Antigua and Barbuda is Settled Law.
All lands in Barbuda that are not privately owned belong to the government of Antigua and Barbuda (the crowd). This has been reaffirmed through no fewer than six court rulings, culminating in a decision by the British Privy Council (final appellate court). The matter is no longer up for debate.
2. Attempts to rewrite the law are disingenuous and any argument suggesting otherwise is not just misleading but actively harmful to national development. Continuing to stoke baseless fears undermines efforts to modernize Barbuda’s economy and empower our people.
3. No administration before the current Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) government has placed such a high priority on Barbuda’s development. This government’s policy interventions are transformative, moving the island beyond subsistence living and towards a modern, diversified economy.
4. The transition in land ownership policy is not an attack on Barbudans but an empowerment tool. It provides security of tenure, access to capital and opportunities for investment, all key elements for economic growth.
One of the most tangible demonstrations of this progressive policy is government’s proposed housing project at Louie Hill. By offering subsidized land ownership to Barbudans, the administration is enabling individuals to secure assets, build homes and contribute to economic growth. This initiative, combined with other development efforts, starkly contrasts with the “do-nothing” approach of past administrations.
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The reality is clear: a vibrant, self-sustaining island economy is now taking shape. This will expose and debunk the historical claims that have been used to justify stagnation.
The recent confrontation with law enforcement by a small faction of opposition members in Barbuda was not surprising. The timing coincides with the upcoming Barbuda Council elections in March 2025. The opposition’s playbook remains unchanged, exploiting the “protect the land” narrative in a bid to sway voters. However, this strategy has lost its impact. Barbudans are increasingly aligning themselves with the government’s agenda of development and empowerment, rather than the empty rhetoric of obstructionist politics.
The vision laid out by Arthur Nibbs, focusing on a modernized Barbuda with robust investments in education, health, tourism, fisheries, entrepreneurship and trade is no longer an abstract concept. Before our eyes is becoming reality.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne’s 2013 vision of Barbuda as a “diamond in the rough” is materializing. Less than a decade after the devastation of Hurricane Irma, the island is witnessing unprecedented growth. Infrastructure projects, economic diversification efforts and increased government investment are reshaping Barbuda into a model of resilience and development and equal to the developments on Antigua.
In a subsequent article, I will outline the ongoing and upcoming development projects that are transforming Barbuda. These initiatives are not just theoretical, they are happening now. Barbudans must engage with these opportunities and recognize that the focus of this era is people’s empowerment and economic self-sufficiency.
For national development to succeed, political actors must evolve. The old narratives of land theft and exploitation are outdated and irrelevant. The future of Barbuda is about modernization, economic opportunity and empowerment. Political discourse must shift from obstructionist rhetoric to constructive engagement.
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Barbudans deserve a future built on facts, development and shared prosperity, not fear mongering and political theatrics. It is time to move beyond the politics of noise and focus on the rules that govern real progress.
Truth matters. Laws must be respected. Progress must not be hindered by misinformation.
(Hon. E. P. Chet Greene is the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Barbuda Affairs)
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