Prime Minister Gaston Browne says the Government of Antigua and Barbuda rejected a request from a member of the Rothschild family to close a beach access route near a property reportedly being developed at a cost of US$30 million.
Speaking during the Browne and Browne Show, the Prime Minister said a member of the family contacted him directly to raise objections to the Government’s position.
However, Browne maintained that public access must be protected in accordance with the law.
The Prime Minister did not identify the individual involved or specify the beach and property concerned.
The disclosure comes amid continuing national discussions surrounding public beach access, following a campaign by environmental activist Eli Fuller, who has been advocating for improved access to beaches across Antigua and Barbuda.
Browne acknowledged that access to certain beaches remains an issue and said the Government has been working to address concerns at locations including Pearns Point and Mill Reef.
He also indicated that he remained willing to receive a petition reportedly carrying approximately 4,000 signatures calling for improved beach access.
The issue continues to attract public attention as residents and environmental advocates push for greater protection of the public’s ability to access the country’s beaches.
