Tensions escalated yesterday between the Central Government and the Barbuda Council after Council members allegedly used government trucks to obstruct excavation work at a development site near Codrington.
The incident took place at Louis Hill, where excavators were clearing vegetation for a planned 100-home development project. According to post-Cabinet reports, two government-owned trucks were positioned to block access to the site but were later removed following intervention.
Ambassador Lionel Hurst, Chief of Staff in the Office of the Prime Minister, addressed the situation in the post-Cabinet briefing, emphasizing the Central Government’s authority over Crown land in Antigua and Barbuda.
“In the interest of order and peace, the Cabinet took the decision to warn the Barbuda Council of the fundamental right which the Central Government exercises over Crown land,” Hurst stated.
He further accused the Barbuda Council of obstructionism, citing political motivations. “The Privy Council determined that all land in Antigua and Barbuda that is not privately owned is the Crown’s, meaning the Government of Antigua and Barbuda. Their actions seem to be politically motivated to appeal to electors in Barbuda,” he said.
Hurst warned that the government is prepared to take further action if the obstruction persists. “Disputes of this nature usually start with a warning, but we may escalate to legal action, such as seeking a court injunction. If necessary, security personnel could be deployed to prevent trespassing on Crown land,” he said.
The standoff at Louis Hill is the latest in a series of disputes between the Central Government and the Barbuda Council over development projects, including the contentious PLH development.
Observer media reached out to the Barbuda Council for comment, but the Chairman indicated that a response would be issued in due course.
