The Barbuda People’s Movement (BPM) has unveiled its slate of candidates for the upcoming Barbuda Council election, scheduled for March 26, 2025. The announcement follows a general assembly held on Tuesday.

Leading the BPM’s lineup is Jackie Frank, notable for her legal challenge against the government’s development of Codrington Airport, which was deemed unlawful by the Privy Council. She is joined by returning candidates Wayde Burton, Nico Antonio, Nadia George, and Melanie Beazer.

The biennial election occurs amidst escalating tensions between the central government and the local council, primarily concerning land rights on Barbuda. The BPM has been vocal about preserving communal land ownership for Barbudans and advocating for sustainable development, while the central government promotes high-end tourism initiatives.

On Sunday, the Antigua Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) introduced its candidates during a rally at Madison Square in Codrington. The ABLP’s slate features newcomers Bernard Alexander Christian and Bonita John-Desouza, alongside returning figures Mackeisha Desouza, Orlando Morris, and former minister Arthur Nibbs. During the rally, ABLP candidates criticized the current Council for alleged mismanagement, selective interpretation of the Barbuda Local Government Act, and over-reliance on central government concessions. They also highlighted the slow recovery efforts since Hurricane Irma in 2017.

The previous Council election in March 2023 resulted in a decisive victory for the BPM, with all four of its candidates securing seats. Both Mackeisha Desouza and Orlando Morris of the ABLP contested that election unsuccessfully. Barbuda MP Trevor Walker described the outcome as a “rejection of the philosophy and ideology” of the Gaston Browne-led administration.

Nomination Day for the 2025 election is set for March 14. The Barbuda Council comprises nine directly elected members and two ex-officio members—the island’s MP and its Senator representative. In this election cycle, five of the elected seats are up for contest.