Prime Minister Gaston Browne has criticized the continued court challenge against the Barbuda International Airport project, describing the legal action as unnecessary given that the airport has already been completed and is operational.
Speaking on Pointe FM on Saturday, Browne said opponents of the project were continuing to pursue what he characterized as weak and exaggerated arguments despite the airport’s completion.
“I see that the court case for the Barbuda airport is coming up and they’re still pursuing it even though the airport is already built,” Browne said.
The Prime Minister accused critics of advancing what he called “spurious arguments” during the dispute over the airport’s construction.
“They came up with all kinds of spurious arguments, saying that there are sinkholes and that the kids are under the airport and so on,” Browne said.
The airport project has been the subject of prolonged legal and political opposition from some Barbuda activists and members of the Barbuda Council, who have raised concerns over environmental impacts, land use and the approval process.
Browne suggested the ongoing legal action reflects a broader pattern of resistance to development projects on the island.
“They’re just making themselves nuisances,” the Prime Minister said while referring to objections surrounding several government-backed initiatives in Barbuda.
Despite the disputes, Browne said the government intends to continue advancing infrastructure and development projects in Barbuda, including road expansion, land parcelization and the construction of a new airport terminal.
“We’re going to move forward,” Browne said as he discussed relations with the Barbuda Council and future development plans for the island.
The Prime Minister also said the government remains willing to cooperate with the Barbuda Council through a joint consultative mechanism, though he claimed the Council had repeatedly declined invitations to participate.
“If they’re willing to work with us, we’ll certainly work with them,” Browne said.