ST. JOHNS, Antigua (WiredJA)- In what is being described as “one of the worst acts ever to occur in our nation’s history,” the discovery and subsequent mishandling of ancestral remains at the Booby Alley development site has sparked national outrage.
United Progressive Party Caretaker Alister Thomas has launched a two-pronged diplomatic offensive, confronting both Prime Minister Gaston Browne and Chinese Ambassador HE Zhang Yanling over what he terms a “shocking, egregious, and abhorrent” desecration of sacred burial grounds.
The controversy erupted on November 27, 2024, when construction workers from the Chinese contractor ZHCG unearthed human remains at the historic Betel Cemetery during excavation work. According to Thomas, these ancestral remains were unceremoniously “carted away” with other construction debris, showing complete disregard for their cultural and spiritual significance.
In his letter to Prime Minister Browne, Thomas revealed he had warned about the presence of the burial ground more than two years ago. “You either deafened your ears or you just didn’t deva to protect the integrity and sanctity of our ancestors’ remains,” Thomas wrote, suggesting that the rush to deliver on delayed election promises may have contributed to this cultural transgression.
The matter takes on added significance when viewed through the lens of international cultural preservation standards. In his parallel letter to the Chinese Ambassador, Thomas highlighted a telling contrast: in China, the discovery of ancestral remains during construction typically leads to immediate work stoppage and careful preservation. He cited a recent case where Chinese authorities halted all construction after discovering a centuries-old coffin from the Ming or Qing dynasties, treating the find with utmost reverence.
“They are not just bones,” Thomas emphasized in both letters. “They are spirits of our ancestors, and history interred.” This sentiment resonates deeply in Antiguan society, where ancestral connections form the bedrock of cultural identity.
The UPP Caretaker has called for:
- An immediate halt to construction activities
- A formal apology from both the government and contractors
- Implementation of proper protocols for handling any additional remains
- An urgent meeting with all stakeholders to address the situation
This incident raises profound questions about the balance between development and cultural preservation in our twin-island nation. As Antigua & Barbuda continues its modernization journey, the Booby Alley controversy serves as a stark reminder that progress must not come at the cost of our heritage and ancestral respect.
For many Antiguans, this is more than a construction mishap – it’s a violation of sacred ground and a dismissal of our cultural values. As this story continues to unfold, it underscores the critical importance of ensuring that international development projects respect local cultural sensitivities and historical significance.
The treatment of these ancestral remains stands as a testament to the urgent need for stronger protocols protecting our historical legacy. As Thomas pointedly concluded, the souls of our ancestors deserve nothing less than our utmost respect and reverence, regardless of who is managing the development of our nation.