Squatting in Antigua and Barbuda

Squatting in the island country of Antigua and Barbuda in the West Indies is the occupation of unused land or derelict buildings without the permission of the owner.

After independence, the country was ruled from Antigua, and 1,500 native Barbudans continued to insist that they owned the island.

The national government, backed by 75,000 Antiguans, instead decided the island was owned by the state and could be exploited for tourism.

He termed the current situation "squatting", whilst a member of the Barbuda Council called the government's plan "an opportunity for disaster capitalism and cultural genocide".

[6] Areas where squatters were encouraged to take benefit were Ball Beef, English Harbour, Falmouth, Hospital Hill and Moss Pond.