George Jeffrey, a Barbuda fisherman and tour guide who became a central figure in a legal challenge over coastal development on the island, has died. He passed away on Monday, December 22, 2025.
Jeffrey was awaiting a High Court ruling in his case against the Development Control Authority (DCA) at the time of his death. The legal action challenged construction activity near the environmentally sensitive Codrington Lagoon.
The case attracted national attention, with concerns raised about environmental protection, planning oversight and community consultation in relation to development on Barbuda. Codrington Lagoon is a key ecological area and is protected under international conservation agreements.
Jeffrey was widely regarded as a grassroots environmental advocate, using the courts to highlight issues affecting Barbuda’s natural heritage. As a fisherman and tour guide, he was closely connected to the lagoon and its surrounding ecosystem.
