PM’s promises get mixed response from Barbudans

Barbudans have voiced mixed feelings to promises made by Prime Minister Gaston Browne at a town hall meeting this week.

Speaking at the American University of Antigua, Browne pledged to provide better homes, infrastructure and jobs to Barbudans in the reconstruction of Antigua’s sister island.

Barbuda suffered atrocious damage when Hurricane Irma made landfall earlier this month.

He told hundreds of displaced Barbudans that the clean-up aspect, which is scheduled to begin shortly, would last about three weeks. After that people will be allowed to return to salvage what was left of their properties.

He told the large gathering that EC$800,000 has been deposited into the account of the Barbuda Council to cover wages of council workers that were outstanding prior to the passage of Hurricane Irma.

The prime minister also said that arrangements have been made with the premier of Monserrat to make that island’s ferry available along with the Barbuda ferry to transport Barbudans to and from the hurricane-ravaged island.

Other promises made by Browne, include subsidising the rent of private properties for Barbudans who can afford to move out of shelters, a better seaport, a new airport, and the construction of concrete properties.

“We are feel satisfied with what the prime minister said tonight,” said one Barbudan. “It was a good meeting.”

Another individual said: “I know the prime minister is going to do his best to help make us all feel comfortable and assist us with what we are doing.”

‘Put politics aside’

During the meeting, Browne stressed that opportunities will be provided for Barbudans to be independent during the rebuilding phase of their island.

“As the opportunities are created we want Barbudans to seize them. The idea is not for Antiguans to exploit these opportunities but reserve them for Barbudans,” he said.

“So, when we are rebuilding the properties we expect Barbudans to be given the first choice.

“Those of you, who are in a position to acquire equipment, we will support your acquisition, so when the rebuilding starts we will look to your equipment rather than import equipment from Antigua.”

[caption id="attachment_5474" align="aligncenter" width="500"] The evacuation of Barbuda. ©ANR[/caption]

However, one resident dismissed the prime minister’s rhetoric as “all politics” because he failed to outline a detailed strategy for the reconstruction of the island.

“Tonight, it was a set of politicians doing their stuff,” the disgruntled Barbudan said.

“We are still waiting to hear from the people who are technically knowledgeable about the situation in Barbuda. We want a concrete thing done with Barbudan input so we can move forward; we still listening for the plan.”

Others expressed hope that the prime minister honours his promises.

“We have heard some very positive things tonight and so let’s just hope Prime Minister Browne keeps his words and it is not a political sham,” one person told the media.

Another said: “I thought it was a good meeting and the prime minister put out himself. We just hope he sticks to what he said and helps us with the way forward.”

Those who attended the town hall meeting were also given the assurance from the prime minister that funds raised towards the relief process will not be misused and “every cent collected will be accounted for… and published in the newspapers”.