Civic groups and opposition leaders join as Barbadians protest land sales
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (March 24, 2025) – Tensions escalated in Holetown on Saturday as Barbadians protested land sales tied to a multimillion-dollar hotel project and a recent land agreement involving a regional bank, voicing concerns over the transfer of state-owned property and its impact on the country’s heritage.
The “Love March,” organized by cultural advocate Marcia Weekes, began at Folkestone and concluded at the Holetown Civic Centre, which is being relocated to facilitate construction of a 100-room hotel valued at approximately US$88 million. The protest was first reported by Barbados Today.
Demonstrators carried placards and participated in peaceful chants opposing the redevelopment plans and raising broader concerns about the sale of national land.
Among those joining the protest were members of the Democratic Labour Party (DLP), including Opposition Leader Ralph Thorne and Senator Andre Worrell.
Senator Worrell stated, “The Democratic Labour Party (DLP) is opposed to the manner in which the government has been selling our property without any discussion with the people.”
Participants also criticized a reported land agreement between the Government of Barbados and the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), under which 2.037 hectares of state-owned land at the corner of Bay Street and Jemmott’s Lane were transferred to the bank at no cost.
The Government of Barbados has not issued a public statement in response to the protest. No reports of incidents or arrests were noted during the event.
Organizers have not yet announced plans for further demonstrations.
For continued coverage on this and other regional developments, follow Unitedpac St Lucia News for timely, trusted, and in-depth reporting.
