Support Barbudans resisting destructive land grab

Barbudans land Defenders are fighting to save their island-home from destruction by foreign developers

The people of Barbuda, a small island in the Caribbean, saw their island-home devastated by Hurricane Irma in September 2017. Instead of contributing to recovery, foreign developers took advantage of Barbudans’ forced displacement to clear acres of forest to build a playground for billionaires, starting with a multi-million-dollar private resort and a new airport to serve private jets. Since then, developers expanded construction building a golf course over a protected wetland.

This was done without the consent of Barbudans. The Barbudan system of communal land ownership has come under attack, with changes to the law that benefit foreign developers and shut Barbudans out of decision-making processes.

Runway construction and access roads cutting through previously untouched forest

Two Barbudans, backed by a growing community of local land defenders, are now fighting for the right to determine their own future. They have persevered despite harassment and threats of legal action for trespass and sedition.

This is a true David versus Goliath fight; developers with endless resources are banking on Barbudans giving up their fight. Islanders need help to continue their legal battle. There are serious environmental consequences at stake: Barbuda is extremely vulnerable to climate change as a low-lying island protected by a delicate wetland ecosystem.

GLAN is supporting the islanders appealing to the courts for their right to fight against the people exploiting their land, as custodians of their island. On 8 November 2023, the London-based Privy Council will hear their appeal. However, the team of pro-bono lawyers are running out of resources. They need support quickly to ensure the case can continue.

This is about more than Barbuda. A win for Barbudans represents a win for land rights defenders globally: this case will define whether communities across the Caribbean have a right to protect their homes from colonial style exploitation and abuse by foreign developers.

Stand with Barbudan land defenders and send a message to these powerful developers that Barbudans are not alone in this fight.

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