Devastated Barbuda fighting alleged ‘land grab’

Once an unspoilt Caribbean paradise, last September, Hurricane Irma turned the island of Barbuda into a scene of devastation. But months later, many residents continue to accuse the government of a land grab, by amending laws which have kept the island under common ownership since slavery ended in the 1830s. Barbudan campaigners have brought legal action against the government of Antigua and Barbuda, two islands which form a twin state. Among the developers who could potentially benefit from the changes is the Hollywood actor Robert de Niro. His attempts to build a luxury resort and gain access to land on the island are fiercely opposed by campaigners.