Government to Hold Anegada Lands Meeting in St. Thomas

~~Adz:Right~~Roadtown, Tortola- Government will host the final of three public meetings on the Anegada Lands Ownership Programme at 7 p.m. on Monday, September 15 in St. Thomas, USVI at the Holiday Inn (formerly known as the Windward Passage Hotel).

This meeting will present and discuss Government’s selection process for the award of land titles and the categories for allocation of lands.  The meeting will also explain the procedures for receiving titles to land earmarked for residential, commercial, industrial, institutional and tourism developments.

The first meeting was held on August 28 in Anegada where over 60 residents came out to discuss Government’s proposals. Subsequently, a government delegation comprised of members from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour and the Town and Country Planning Department travelled to New York to hold the second meeting on September 6.

Deputy Chief Planner in the Town and Country Planning Department, Steve Augustine made the presentation at both meetings where the Anegadians abroad shared similar concerns to those currently living on Anegada.

Mr. Augustine reported that “the Anegadian communities in Anegada and New York were very appreciative to see what we were providing and they were pleased to know that Government has taken the initiative to ensure that a clear strategy is put forth that will give the Anegadians titles to their lands.”

Government is committed to ensuring all Anegadians begin to receive titles to their lands by the end of this year.  Government has already settled 13 claims by Anegadians who sought compensation for lands surrounding the Auguste George International Airport.

The Government through the Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour is committed to empowering its people by assisting in the ownership of land.  The Ministry is the focal point for Government’s policy on land related matters and the stewards of the natural resources through the implementation of environmentally friendly management practices.