Barbudan fisherman and GLAN file legal challenge to construction at Cedar Tree Point
Councilman John Mussington says that Barbudans will not allow
another investor to block their access to certain areas on the island.
Mussington’s declaration follows a new legal challenge against the
Development Control Authority (DCA), filed by the Global Legal
Action Network (GLAN) and George Jeffrey, described as a “fearless”
local fisherman and guide.
According to reports, millionaire Henry Anderson, is constructing a
private luxury residence at Cedar Tree Point.
The Barbuda Council apparently got wind of the planned
controversial construction, which reportedly had been approved by
the DCA over a year ago, and members began observing clearing of
lands at that time.
Further reports say the Council conducted investigations and
discovered that the Government had granted Anderson a lease, with
the understanding that he was building homes for members of the
British Royal Family.
Mussington says that, after the clearing, structures began to be
erected with some haste; and although the Council tried to take legal
action, it fell through.
However, he vows that Barbudans will not sit by idly and allow their
lands to be taken up by foreign interests: hence, the new legal
action in partnership with GLAN, which reportedly is backed by the
Barbuda Land Rights and Resources Committee.
Regarding the Anderson development, it is alleged that the
Department of the Environment had advised against construction in
the Cedar Tree Point location, since it is a protected area and such
activity would disturb the renowned Frigate Bird Sanctuary.
Barbuda Councilman John Mussington.
Anderson reportedly is linked to the private Peace, Love, and
Happiness (PLH) development and owns Abercorn Trust.
Previously, he was called out for claiming “royal connections” in
order to push through his development plans.
Barbudans see this development as yet another in a series of
destructive “luxury” residences built in their National Park and
protected wetland, which are home to their pride and joy – the
magnificent frigate bird.
Further, a release from GLAN notes that the beach at Cedar Tree
Point had been preserved by locals “as an untouched conservation
site and nesting habitat for endangered sea turtles.”
Reportedly the effects of the construction have left the island and its
residents even more vulnerable to extreme weather events like
hurricanes.
Allegedly, there has been damage to both a sandbar and the
wetland, which exposes the island to more severe harm from storm
surges.
