Former Barbuda MP Arthur Nibbs urged voters to “make the change” and delivered a wide-ranging critique of current leadership while endorsing Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party (ABLP) candidate Kenja Beezer during a political meeting in Barbuda.
Speaking to supporters ahead of the April 30 general election, Nibbs framed the contest as a decisive moment for the island’s future. “This is a very serious and sober election… make the change and you’re going to see this place move by leaps and bounds,” he said.
He made a direct appeal to voters to support Beezer, telling the audience, “When you go down there on the 30th day of this month, vote no other way but for Kenja Chamberlain Beezer.”
Throughout his address, Nibbs criticized the current Barbuda Council and parliamentary representation, arguing that key sectors have deteriorated. He pointed to healthcare challenges, including the need for residents to travel to Antigua for basic services, and said improvements could be made to allow more treatment to take place on the island.
“When I see the patients have to go over there for dialysis, I feel it for them… we are going to have our own dialysis unit right here,” he said.
He also raised concerns about waste management and environmental conditions, claiming poor handling of landfill operations had led to worsening public health conditions. According to Nibbs, better coordination with national agencies would be required to address those issues and improve living standards.
Infrastructure was another key focus. Nibbs criticized the condition of roads and questioned the management of public funds tied to roadworks, while arguing that stronger governance and planning could accelerate development across the island.
Looking ahead, he outlined a broader vision for Barbuda’s economic transformation. He referenced plans to establish the island as a port of entry, allowing goods and passengers to travel directly without routing through Antigua. He said such a move would expand commercial activity and create new opportunities for residents.
“Our government has already passed the law to declare Barbuda a port of entry… what we have to do now is build out the facility,” Nibbs said.
He also highlighted ongoing and potential investments in renewable energy, noting Barbuda’s push toward increased use of alternative energy sources, with a long-term goal of transitioning to fully green energy generation.
Tourism and air access featured prominently in his remarks, with Nibbs pointing to plans to extend the island’s runway to accommodate larger aircraft and increase direct international connections. He said this would bring jobs and position Barbuda as a more competitive destination in the region.
“A big plane is going to land and take off right here in Barbuda… more jobs,” he said.
Nibbs also emphasized education and training opportunities, encouraging residents to take advantage of access to tertiary education, including programmes available through institutions in Antigua, as part of a broader push to build human capital.
He repeatedly returned to the theme of generational change, arguing that younger leadership, combined with closer alignment with central government, could unlock development that has been delayed for years.
“A vote for Kenja is a vote for progress… a better life for all the people in Barbuda,” he said.
The meeting formed part of the ABLP’s campaign push in Barbuda, with speakers urging residents to support Beezer as the party seeks to win the seat in the upcoming election.