The Stronger Caribbean Together (SCT) network members extend their solidarity and support to John Mussington and Jacklyn Frank as their case against the Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority, Development Control Authority, and the Antiguan Attorney General commences at the Privy Council on November 8, 2023. Mussington and Frank represent a larger coalition of Barbudans fighting to resist their displacement in the name of profit by corporate real estate interests and the Antiguan national government who seek to override Barbudans’ constitutional sovereignty.
At the upcoming hearing, the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, Antigua and Barbuda’s highest legal authority, will determine “whether the Court of Appeal was correct to conclude that the Appellants [Mussington and Frank] did not have standing to pursue judicial review proceedings against a decision to grant a development permit for the construction of a new airport runway.”
To say it plainly, the Judicial Committee will give the last legal word on whether Barbudan citizens should be able to make queries about the decisions by the national Antiguan government.
We eagerly await the judgment of the Judicial Committee and hope that they will decide in favor of the Barbudan Appellants, and remind the Antiguan national government and other Commonwealth governments of the importance of recognizing the sovereignty of others and indigenous people’s right to free, prior, and informed consent on any projects potentially posing a threat to the environments on which they rely for climate mitigation, housing, and recreation.
Since Hurricane Irma hit it in 2017, Barbuda’s disaster recovery has been slow, and the recovery period was used as a pretext to accelerate the development of coastal projects necessitating displacement and the destruction of vital wetlands. The membership of SCT recognizes Barbudans’ ongoing displacement and upheaval as one of several tactics used by those seeking to profit from the impacts of natural hazards. We denounce these events transpiring in Barbuda and every encroachment of disaster capitalism in the Caribbean undermining rights and justice.
Whatever the outcome of the upcoming case, we will remain united with our colleagues and friends in Barbuda as they continue fighting to protect their people, land, and culture. If you’d like to learn more about the case, and Barbudan’s struggle for land sovereignty, visit their site savebarbuda.org, or their Instagram @SaveBarbuda.
Showcasing stories of Caribbean organizations at the foreground of the struggle against disaster capitalism in the Caribbean. Our network of participants in the Greater Caribbean region connect, learn, share their hands on responses to the impacts of the twin threats of the climate crisis and disaster capitalism in our region.
Bernard Lodge Farmers Group
WAVE (Progressive Reform Movement)
Tèt Kole
Global Challenges Research Fund
Open Society Foundations
All Rights Reserved – strongercaribbeantogether.org 2022
All Rights Reserved – strongercaribbeantogether.org 2022
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.
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.
There are ways in which you can help.
