Gov’t settles long overdue land-transfer HLSCC issue

Minister for Natural Resources and Labour Melvin ‘Mitch’ Turnbull

By MERRICK ANDREWS, Online News Editor

(JTV News) — Minister for Natural Resources and Labour Melvin ‘Mitch’ Turnbull has announced that the government will transfer the remaining lands owed to the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC), which should have been rectified some 20 years ago.

Speaking in the House of Assembly on Thursday, March 9, Turnbull explained that in 2019, a Cabinet decision was made to enable the college to expand its operations through additional infrastructural development.

He added that the decision was to officially transfer a total of 134 acres of land to the Board of Governors of HLSCC. These, he said, ncluded Parcel 6, Block 3337B; Parcel 164 (which is now Parcel 169 due to interim developments), Block 3238B, and Parcel 7/1, Block 3337B. Madam

“Speaker it has been brought to my attention that only 13 acres (from Parcels 6 and 7/1) have been transferred due to land swap agreements with the Department of Agriculture. Therefore, 121 acres remain in the Crown’s possession. The delay in finalizing this transfer of land is of great reproach, considering that the total of 134 acres was procured by the Government on behalf of the college from the previous landowners, in 2003. Yes, Madam Speaker, 20 years ago!,” the minister said.

“As the Minister responsible for lands, I wish to conclude this outstanding matter once and for all in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports. We have a duty to uphold the original agreement of transfer in the interest of the development of our people, and we need to do so in the shortest order,” he said.

Minister Turnbull also explained that the government has entered into discussions with the college to obtain ownership of land in Virgin Gorda in order to build a fully outfitted permanent campus.

He said for the past 30 years, the college has rented from Virgin Gorda commercial properties such as the Pickering Building and most recently Village Rose.

“The President and Board of Governors have put forth a vision for the college, which sees the Virgin Gorda Campus becoming a mecca for hospitality and culinary arts. Virgin Gorda being a prime destination for tourism, this development would garner interest from the community for much-needed growth in the relevant industries,” he said.