Codrington, BARBUDA – Residents of Barbuda are being urged to preserve any evidence linking them or their families to land on the island and to seek legal advice before signing any land-related documents, as the government moves closer to launching a land registry and issuing land titles.
King’s Counsel Leslie Thomas, a member of the Barbuda Council’s legal team, said documents, photographs and witness accounts could prove vital as legal disputes over land ownership continue and the government advances plans to formalise land ownership.
Speaking during a legal awareness session, Thomas encouraged residents to safeguard records of farming, grazing, business activities, repairs and other improvements made to land.
“Write down the names of neighbours who can support your family history. Even if the paper is old or fragile, don’t throw it away. Photograph it or scan it and try to keep the original safe,” he said.
Thomas said those without formal documentation should not assume they have no legal rights, noting that long-term occupation, family history and grazing rights may still be recognised if supported by credible evidence.
He also urged Barbudans not to sign any land-related documents without first understanding their contents and obtaining legal advice.
“If somebody hands you a piece of paper about your land, you need to read it, keep a copy and understand what you are signing before you sign it,” he said.
The lawyer further advised residents to monitor public notices relating to land matters, warning that missed deadlines or overlooked notices could affect the outcome of legal proceedings.
He also cautioned against discussing active litigation on social media or publicly criticising judges, lawyers or the courts while cases remain before the judiciary.
“Please do not post legal arguments on social media while these matters are still live,” Thomas said. “That sort of conduct can hurt your case or even your neighbour’s case.”
The legal awareness session also provided updates on several court cases involving land rights and development in Barbuda that remain before the courts.
The advice comes as the central government prepares to establish the Barbuda Land Registry following Cabinet approval last month. Officials have said the land adjudication process is nearing completion, with the registry expected to be launched by the end of August.
Cabinet has also announced plans to sell parcels of land to Barbudans for one dollar, saying the initiative will provide formal legal ownership through registered land titles.
The proposals come amid a long-running dispute over land ownership and management in Barbuda, where communal land tenure has historically been protected under local law and remains the subject of ongoing legal challenges.
