The fight against foreign developers buying Caribbean beaches
Summary
Local people on the Caribbean island of Barbuda are fighting against foreign developers who are buying land and restricting access to the island's beaches. Barbuda’s land belongs to the community under local law, but wealthy investors are building exclusive resorts, limiting the space locals can use.Key Facts
- Barbuda has a communal land ownership system, meaning land is owned by the community, not by individuals.
- Locals have the right to lease land but do not hold private ownership.
- Hurricane Irma in 2017 destroyed many properties, including a popular local beach bar owned by Miranda Beazer.
- Foreign developers have bought leases for parts of Barbuda’s coastline, limiting access for locals.
- Miranda Beazer is in a legal fight to regain access to her leased land, which has been partly taken over by developers.
- Two developer companies, Murbee Resorts and Peace Love and Happiness, deny illegal occupation of land.
- Hollywood actor Robert de Niro and billionaire James Packer are developing a large luxury resort called The Beach Club Barbuda nearby.
- Many beaches on Caribbean islands are under threat as wealthy developers create exclusive tourist areas that limit local access.
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