'Necessary steps’ removal warning to stadium Barbudans

The Director of the National Office of Disaster Services (NODS) in Antigua and Barbuda says his office “will take the necessary steps” to have Barbudans removed from the stadium.

Philmore Mullin said that “there have not been any official steps taken to remove those persons from the shelter.”

He said whatever action his office decides to take will be done when the alternate shelters are ready to host the evacuees.

Approximately 40 people remain at the Sir Vivian Richard Cricket Grounds and are refusing to leave.

They want proper alternate accommodation before moving out.

Over 100 people have already vacated the stadium to either go back to Barbuda or relocate to other shelters in Antigua.

The stadium is being prepared for several international cricket games that Antigua will host against England as part of their tour of the West Indies in two weeks time.

From those who insist on continued residence at the stadium, Mullin said “some would have to go back to Barbuda.”

He said the deadline of 5 January remains in place “and we have no intention at all to go beyond that deadline.”

According to Mullin, alternate shelters including those on Barbuda will be ready for use within the week.

But he said the confusion was limited to “a family” and appealed for calm.

Meantime, based on reports staff at the stadium stayed off the job for the second day this week to avoid confrontation with Barbudans who are refusing to leave the facility.

Sports Minister Paul “Chet” Greene told state media last night that he is disappointed that NODS did not do enough to have the Barbudans moved by the original date of 31 December 2017.