Disaster Capitalism
in Barbuda

Barbuda is unique in the Caribbean and indeed the world, being one of the few places in which the land is for the benefit of all its people. Today, disaster capitalism threatens to change that. 

Disaster Capitalism
in Barbuda

In the wake of Hurricane Irma in 2017, many of us Barbudans, in our homes on the island, were surprised to hear the world being told that the island was now uninhabitable. Following this, most of us were forcibly removed from our homes by military forces. Those of us who resisted and remained soon observed international real estate developers surveying constitutionally community owned assets, unbeknownst to the majority of the rightful inhabitants of the island. 

Barbuda's Natural Hurricane Protection is Being Cleared for the Rich to Vacation

The natural vegetation of Palmetto Point has played a critical role in the defense of Barbudans from storm surges for generations.
Today the once dynamic wetland and dune system, the natural system of climate resilience, is being uprooted to make way for golf course grass and luxury homes, leaving nothing to protect the coastline from storm surges and hurricanes.
Investor PLH purports that this ravaging of Barbuda’s natural environment is to the island’s greater benefit, but as detailed in the documentation below, these claims are significantly misleading.

Before After
Palmetto Point has been described as one of the most ecologically valuable sites in the Caribbean.
It is also RAMSAR-designated which means its wetlands are deemed to be of international importance.
Barbudans, Keep an eye on what's going on.

Barbudans,

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Barbuda Land Saga Documentation

GLAN Rebuttal to PLH Claims

A detailed rebuttal to PLH’s misleading claims including 'becoming the largest contributor to Barbuda’s revenue' while enjoying unseemly tax and duties exemptions, while paying only USD $354 per acre to lease 626.83 of a protected wetland, which for the first 80 years must be spent on an airport constructed without proper approvals and against vigorous opposition by the Barbudan people.

Barbudans Continue the Fight to Save the Island

Financial, legal and political resources heavily skewed against them, having lost their court case on 13 June 2022, Barbudans determinedly continue the battle against Goliath in court to protect their communal land ownership in the Privy Council in London.

GLAN Notification to Ramsar

The Global Legal Action Network writes to Ramsar Convention Secretariat regarding the impending irremediable ecological damage to Codrington Lagoon

DOE Review of Additional Project Information

DOE review prepared by Ruleta Camacho Thomas 20th November 2019 on BOC Application # A 454-2019 for Golf Course Phase 1 and Water Sourcing by PLH conglomerate

BPM Cites Illegal Transaction

Barbuda People's Movement issues press release citing illegal transaction, raising questions about the 99 year lease which is contrary to law and failed to obtain consent.

Research on the Environmental Laws of Antigua

Discussion of the policy for the sustainable development of Antigua Barbuda derived from Antigua and Barbuda’s National Physical Development plan (2011) and the Antigua Barbuda National Environmental Management Strategy (NEMS).

Barbuda Reserve Project Narrative by Discovery Land Companu

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Oyster Bay Barbuda, Environmental Impact Assessment

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Your voice can help advocate for socio-environmental justice on Barbuda.

Get Connected

In the tumultuous aftermath of disasters, it is easy to feel isolated and alone, but you are not.

We, a network of Caribbean-wide community organizers who stand in solidarity with those affected the twin threats of the climate crises and disaster capitalism, a phenomenon that exacerbates the suffering of vulnerable communities.

We want you to know that your stories matter. We are here to listen, to support, and to amplify your voices.

We believe that together, we can challenge the forces of disaster capitalism and advocate for more sustainable, inclusive and equitable decision-making.

Join us in solidarity. Share your experiences and let’s build strong communities that thrive together.

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As the wider world braces for the climate change, Caribbean communities are already struggling with its effects. Small local communities, small scale farmers and coastal communities are disproportionately affected. Political decisions, power dynamics and laws often compound the catastrophes and silence bottom up solutions.

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