The project, located on more than 600 acres of protected wetland, comprises 495 luxury residences, an 18-hole golf course, a beach club and a natural gas storage facility.
The residents say this project undermines their centuries old tradition of communal land ownership, as the recent amendments allow property privatization. Tensions have been further amplified by the clearance of around 400 acres of forest home to the red footed tortoise and Barbuda fallow-deer to accommodate the construction of an airport.
The construction started without an environmental impact assessment or permit from the Barbuda council, causing further unrest among locals. Critics expressed concern over the lack of consultation with the locals and the potential impact on their rights to food, housing, water, and sanitation. The case is now being heard by the Privy Council, with a decision expected in eight to twelve weeks.
