Barbuda's Open Status: What You Need To Know

Barbuda is a small island in the Caribbean, located about 30 miles north of Antigua. It is part of the nation of Antigua and Barbuda, but it has its own local government, the Barbuda Council, which has powers over public works, finance, agriculture, and more. The island is known for its pristine beaches and natural landscape, which have attracted tourists for many years. However, in 2017, Hurricane Irma caused widespread devastation, destroying more than 90% of the island's buildings and infrastructure and forcing the evacuation of the entire population to Antigua. Since then, the island has been struggling to recover, with reconstruction efforts being slow and challenging. The future of the island is uncertain, as there are competing visions for its development. While the government wants to commercialise communal lands and develop tourist infrastructure, residents want to preserve their traditional system of communal land ownership and the natural beauty of the island.

Barbuda's economy

Tourism is the mainstay of the economy, directly or indirectly contributing to more than half of the nation's GDP. The nation's pristine beaches, extensive forests, and coral reefs make it a popular destination for nature-loving travellers. However, a series of violent hurricanes since 1995, including the devastating Hurricane Irma in 2017, have caused serious damage to tourist infrastructure and sharp reductions in visitor numbers.

Agriculture also plays a role in the economy, although it has declined in importance over the years. The sector is constrained by limited water supply and labour shortages, as workers are drawn to higher-paying jobs in tourism and construction. The nation's agricultural production is mainly directed towards the domestic market, with some exports of tropical fruits, mangoes, pineapples, and vegetables.

Manufacturing in Barbuda is limited to light manufacturing, such as clothing, alcohol, and household appliances. The nation also has a growing poultry industry and is a significant exporter of lobster to the United States.

In recent years, there has been a push for economic development in Barbuda, particularly in the tourism sector. This has led to tensions between the government, which seeks to commercialise communal lands and develop large-scale tourism infrastructure, and residents, who wish to preserve their traditional system of communal land ownership and the island's natural beauty.

Hurricane Irma's impact

Hurricane Irma was a Category 5 hurricane that struck Barbuda on September 6, 2017, causing catastrophic damage to the island. The storm's eye passed directly over Barbuda, resulting in wall winds, storm surges, and flooding. The hurricane caused widespread destruction, flattening hospitals, schools, businesses, and public buildings, and rendering the island's airport and much of its infrastructure inoperative.

The impact of Hurricane Irma on Barbuda was both immediate and long-lasting. Here is a breakdown of the hurricane's effects:

Immediate Impact:

• Loss of Life: Three fatalities were reported on the island due to the hurricane.
• Infrastructure Damage: Irma damaged or destroyed 95% of the structures on Barbuda, including its hospital, schools, and both of its hotels. The destruction rendered the island's airport inoperative and disrupted water and telecommunication services.
• Housing Destruction: 90% of housing on Barbuda was damaged or destroyed, leaving many residents homeless and seeking shelter on the nearby island of Antigua.
• Environmental Impact: The storm surge from Irma inundated Barbuda's Codrington Lagoon, home to the largest colony of magnificent frigatebirds in the Caribbean. There were also concerns about the impact on the island's only endemic bird, the Barbuda warbler.

Long-Lasting Effects:

• Economic Losses: Property damage on Barbuda ranged from $150 million to $300 million. Forensic disaster analysts estimated economic losses for Antigua and Barbuda to exceed $120 million.
• Displacement: The storm displaced a significant number of residents, with up to two-thirds of Barbuda's population evacuating to Antigua.
• Recovery Challenges: The recovery process has been slow, and the island still lacks essential services like a fully functioning hospital and a bank.
• Threat to Cultural Heritage: The focus on tourist ventures in the aftermath of the hurricane threatens the unique culture, identity, and traditional land relations in Barbuda.
• Change in Land Ownership: The government's push for commercialization and privatization of communal lands has been met with resistance from residents, who traditionally practised communal land ownership.

Communal land ownership

The Caribbean island of Barbuda is the only island in the world where all land is held in common by Barbudans. Communal land ownership has allowed Barbudans to keep the island out of the global land market, limit the built environment, and protect the delicate ecosystem of its coastal areas and lagoons.

The Barbuda Land Act of 2007, which was amended in 2016, establishes that the citizens of Barbuda communally own the land. The act specifies that residents must provide consent for major development projects on the island. Under the act, any citizen over 18 years old has the right to occupy residential land, graze animals, and use land for commercial purposes, as long as projects are not considered major developments. Major developments are defined as anything that costs over $40 million and will significantly impact the island's economy, infrastructure, or environment.

The communal land ownership system in Barbuda evolved in response to Barbudans' post-emancipation resistance to efforts to relocate them to neighboring Antigua. Since the end of slavery in the 19th century, Barbudans have leased land to build their homes, farm, and engage in economic activities. This arrangement was codified in law with the Barbuda Land Act of 2007.

However, the island's centuries-old communal land ownership system is now under threat from government plans to introduce private land ownership. In 2018, Prime Minister Gaston Browne announced the end of collective land ownership on Barbuda, arguing that private, freehold land ownership is necessary to secure financing for rebuilding efforts after Hurricane Irma devastated the island in 2017. Browne claimed that collective ownership scares away foreign investors and that allowing the sale of land parcels would raise the revenue needed for reconstruction.

Barbudans dispute this notion, pointing out that the 2007 law already allows for leases to foreign real estate investors with the approval of the democratically elected Barbuda Council. They argue that the government's move to end collective ownership is a cover to eliminate their land rights and open the island up to tourism development.

The proposed changes to land ownership have sparked outrage and legal challenges from Barbudans, who believe their unique way of life and cultural identity are at stake. They argue that the government has contravened laws stating that communal ownership can only be repealed with the consent of the majority of Barbudans. The legal battle over land rights in Barbuda continues, with activists and the island's sole elected lawmaker, Trevor Walker, vowing to protect the communal land system.

Tourist attractions

Barbuda is an island in the eastern Caribbean, around 30 miles north of Antigua. It is known for its pristine beaches, flat landscape, and coral limestone makeup. While the island has historically been relatively untouched by large-scale development, it is now seeing an increase in construction, particularly on its south coast.

• Beaches: Barbuda is famous for its miles-long, natural beaches with pink sand. Princess Diana Beach is one of the most popular beaches, featuring the luxurious Nobu resort. Other notable beaches include Low Bay and Two Foot Bay.
• Frigate Bird Sanctuary: Located in the Codrington Lagoon, this sanctuary is one of the primary tourist destinations on the island. It is a crucial breeding area for frigate birds, a vulnerable species endemic to Barbuda.
• Indian Cave: This cave features petroglyphs, or rock-carved drawings, created by the Arawak or Siboney, the first inhabitants of Barbuda.
• Darby Cave: A sinkhole in the Barbuda Highlands with a diameter of over 300 feet and a depth of about 70 feet. It features a tropical rainforest inside, with palms, ferns, and lianas.
• Dark Cave: Located two miles south of Darby Cave, this cave has a tiny entrance that opens up into a large cavern with pools of water. It is believed to have been a source of water for Amerindian occupants.
• Nicey Cave: This cave complex consists of five chambers, including a collapsed roof that serves as a rear entrance and skylight. It is known for its impressive stalactites and stalagmites.
• Magnificent Frigate Bird Sanctuary: This sanctuary, located in the Codrington Lagoon, is one of the primary tourist attractions on the island. It is a crucial breeding ground for the magnificent frigate bird, a vulnerable species.
• Martello Tower: A 19th-century fort located near the Frigate Bird Sanctuary.
• Highland House (Willybob): The ruins of the 18th-century Codrington family home, located on the eastern side of the island.
• The Dividing Wall: A wall that separated the wealthy Codrington family from their slaves.
• Coco Point: A popular archaeological site on the southwest coast of Barbuda, featuring artifacts from the Archaic period.
• River: Another archaeological site located along the southwest coast, featuring artifacts such as cutting blades made from gastropods and water containers made from shells.
• Codrington: The largest town on the island, with a population of approximately 1,300 people. It is the main settlement on Barbuda and is home to the Sir McChesney George Secondary School, the only secondary school on the island.
• Snorkelling and Fishing: Barbuda's clear waters and abundant marine life make it an ideal destination for snorkelling and fishing. Popular fishing spots include the waters around the island and the Codrington Lagoon.
• Barbuda Turf Club (Horse Racing): Horse racing is a popular activity on the island, with races often taking place at the local track in the Spring View sector south of the airport.
• Basketball and Tennis: Barbuda has a vibrant sports culture, with resurfaced basketball and tennis courts that are open to the public.
• Local Cuisine: Barbuda offers a variety of regional specialties, including deer meat, land turtle, seafood (lobster, crab, conch), and locally raised beef, lamb, and goat. These dishes are often served with rice, fungi (similar to polenta), or dumplings. Fresh seafood is also available directly from the street grills and fisheries.

Travel to Barbuda

Barbuda is a small island in the Caribbean, just north of its sister island, Antigua. It is known for its pristine beaches, coral reefs, and natural environment. The island is relatively untouched by large-scale development and is home to a small, tight-knit community of around 1,500 people.

Getting There

You can get to Barbuda by plane, landing at the Barbuda Codrington Airport, or by ferry from Antigua. Many people choose to visit Barbuda on a day trip from Antigua, but to truly experience the island, it is recommended to stay for a few days.

Where to Stay

For accommodation, you can choose from great-value guest houses in the village or luxurious beachfront rooms. There are also glamping sites and locally-owned guest houses.

Things to Do

Barbuda is an ideal destination for those seeking relaxation and a slow pace of life. It is not known for its nightlife or tourist attractions, but rather for its natural beauty and peaceful way of life. You can spend your days swimming, snorkelling, fishing, and caving.

For history buffs, the Indian Cave features petroglyphs created by the island's first inhabitants, the Arawak or the Siboney. You can also visit the ruins of the 18th-century Codrington family home, Highland House, and the Dividing Wall that once separated the wealthy family from their slaves.

Food and Drink

When it comes to food, you can expect to indulge in regional specialties such as deer meat, land turtle, seafood (lobster, crab, and conch), and locally raised beef, lamb, or goat. These dishes are often served with rice, fungi (similar to polenta), or dumplings. For drinks, you can try local juices like soursop, ginger beer, passion fruit, sea moss, and tamarind.

Recent Challenges

It is important to note that Barbuda has faced some challenges in recent years. In 2017, Hurricane Irma devastated the island, destroying much of its infrastructure and leading to a mandatory evacuation of the entire population to Antigua. The recovery process has been slow, and there are concerns about the government's focus on tourist ventures and commercialisation of communal lands, which threaten the unique culture and identity of the island.

Despite these challenges, Barbuda remains a beautiful and welcoming destination, and your visit will contribute to the island's recovery and support the local community.

Frequently asked questions