The Antigua and Barbuda Civil Liberties Movement is calling for the free, informed and meaningful consent of Barbudans before any major changes are made to the island's land ownership system, governance structure or development plans.
According to Antigua News Room, the organisation expressed concern over ongoing efforts to expand freehold land ownership and promote large-scale luxury real estate development on Barbuda, arguing that the issue touches on constitutional rights, local governance and democratic participation.
In a formal statement, the group cited Section 123(1) of the Constitution, which identifies the Barbuda Council as the principal organ of local government on the island. The organisation said the council and the people it represents must be meaningfully consulted on all decisions affecting Barbuda's lands, resources and future.
The Civil Liberties Movement noted that Barbuda's communal land system has historically shielded residents from land speculation and the concentration of ownership, while preserving access to land for future generations.
The group called on the government to respect the constitutional role of the Barbuda Council and to ensure that any proposals involving land ownership, land administration or development are pursued transparently and with full public participation.
The organisation maintained that development and investment can proceed on the island while still respecting Barbuda's land tenure system and its local democratic institutions.
