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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
World
Kenneth Mohammed in Codrington

‘Billionaire club’: the tiny island of Barbuda braces for decision on land rights and nature

Barbuda Gaston Browne United Nations Hurricane Hurricane Irma Antigua Caribbean
An image of Palmetto Point in Barbuda, showing sand mining and the destruction of natural vegetation.
Palmetto Point in Barbuda where sand mining has destroyed natural vegetation. Local people say developments threaten ecosystems and the natural beauty of the island. Photograph: Courtesy of Glan

Standing on a truck after a helicopter dash to the tiny airport of Barbuda in the wake of Hurricane Irma, prime minister Gaston Browne addressed the people. He declared all must leave the Caribbean island for their own safety as Hurricanes Jose and Maria were predicted to soon hit. Islanders would be allowed to return “when it was safe”.

It was 2017, and the destruction of Barbuda was reported worldwide to be “catastrophic”, with homes, infrastructure and livelihoods decimated and the inhabitants left in despair.

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