ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA | Barbudans' Triumph: Victorious in Case to Protect Land from Developers

ST. JOHNS, Antigua and Barbuda, March 3, 2024 - In an inspiring turn of events, the Caribbean island of Barbuda in once again the subject of environmental news, and this time, has become the stage for a monumental victory in environmental justice.

Retired teacher Jacklyn Frank and marine biologist John Mussington have emerged as heroes in their successful legal battle against the Antigua and Barbuda government. 

Challenging the unauthorized construction of an airfield that posed a severe threat to the island's fragile ecosystems, their perseverance culminated in a groundbreaking ruling by the Privy Council in London, affirming their right to contest the development.

This victory is not just a win for Frank and Mussington but a landmark moment for environmental activism and community engagement. 

Representing a real-life David versus Goliath scenario, their battle underscores the vital importance of transparency, accountability, and citizen involvement in governmental decisions impacting the environment. 

Leslie Thomas, the UK lawyer representing the Barbudan duo, emphasized the significance of this victory, stating, "This is a real David and Goliath battle. We’re up for another big fight."

The court's decision is expected to resonate far beyond the shores of Antigua and Barbuda, setting a precedent for other Caribbean nations grappling with the challenges of safeguarding their natural heritage against the pressures of development, especially in the aftermath of natural disasters. 

Sarah O’Malley, an attorney with the Global Legal Action Network, highlighted the broader implications of this ruling, noting, "Environmental activists around the globe are often bogged down with procedural impediments making litigation costly and time-consuming, a subterfuge employed by those destroying the environment for their own profit."

The airfield's construction, initiated post-Hurricane Irma without the necessary permits or environmental assessments, has led to the destruction of over 400 acres of land, home to unique species like the red-footed tortoises and Barbuda fallow deer. 

It also poses a risk to the island's groundwater supplies—a critical resource for the community's survival.

Despite these challenges, Frank and Mussington's unwavering commitment to their cause has paid off, offering a glimmer of hope and inspiration to environmental advocates worldwide. 

Their story is a powerful reminder of the impact individuals can have in the fight for environmental preservation and justice. 

As they prepare for the next steps in their campaign to protect Barbuda's natural environment, their message is clear: the fight for our planet is far from over, but it is one that can be won with resilience, solidarity, and the courage to stand up for what is right.

As the battle continues, Frank and Mussington's victory serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of Barbudans and their ancestral legacy of stewardship over their land. 

Their success reinforces the belief that even in the face of daunting challenges, determined individuals can effect meaningful change, safeguarding our world for future generations.

More than US$14 million have been expended to construct a 6,100-foot runway, on Barbuda’s south side, and was expected to be extended by 1,000 more feet in the coming months.

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