Barbudans Launch New Environmental Lawsuit Against Wealthy Developers

"SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — Construction of two private villas inside a national park in Barbuda has sparked the latest environmental legal fight between angry residents and wealthy foreigners seeking to develop the Caribbean island with support from the government.

George Jeffery, a local fisherman and tour guide, and the U.K.-based nonprofit Global Legal Action Network filed a lawsuit Thursday against the government of the twin-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda.

The suit seeks to overturn the construction permit because the island’s Development Control Authority approved the high-end development despite the national environmental department rejecting the proposal twice."

Dánica Coto reports for the Associated Press February 1, 2024.

Source: AP, 02/02/2024