Barbudan land defenders John Mussington and Jackie Frank were in court yesterday for the full hearing of their case challenging the Antigua and Barbuda authorities over the development of the damaging additional airport on the island.

The strength of their case was evident during the hearing, with the defendant authorities admitting that they unlawfully failed to consult the public on the building of the airport.

Jackie shared how they were both feeling post-court, saying, “Based on the conversations, discussions, information shared today we remain confident that the judgment will favour Barbuda and us”.

Environmental Impact Assessments

There were multiple key failures identified by independent scientific experts, in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) documents which were retrospectively provided to support the airport’s development.

These fundamental flaws matter particularly in the case of Barbuda, a low-lying hurricane prone island with a fragile ecosystem that relies on protective barriers such as mangroves and other coastal vegetation for protection. The EIA made no mention of the history of hurricanes and the possibility of extreme events and failed to provide meteorological data.

One independent expert consulted stated the EIA documents were “of unusually poor quality. They fail to adhere to some of the most basic practices that are required for scientific credibility”

During the hearing, Leslie Thomas KC, representing John and Jackie made clear the obvious and flagrant failings of the environmental report, stating, “the environmental impact assessments mentioned species that do not live in Barbuda” therefore how was this project allowed to proceed?

Water supply and protected wetland

Barbuda’s water sources are scarce, and of vital importance for the continued habitation of the island; the EIA failed to provide analysis of existing aquifers known by locals to be underneath the areas initially excavated.

“These [EIA] documents were deeply deficient and simply failed to provide sufficient information for any reader to reliably understand or assess the potential impacts of the project in either the short or long term.” – Independent expert 

Key issues around the project relative to marshes, wetlands and mangroves or how the project would modify the surface water system and affect the RAMSAR protected wetland at Codrington Lagoon were ignored and failed to consider the impacts of climate change. Impacts that will affect the daily life of the Barbudan people were omitted from consideration, such as the effects on air quality, noise, health and biodiversity. There was no long-term assessment by the relevant authorities or developers of the true impact of this large-scale commercial project on such a small island.

John and Jackie feel hopeful and relieved to have finally had their day in court, after 8 years of fighting. Stand with them, and the people of Barbuda, as they await the outcome of this crucial case.

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