The Crown Lands Management Bill Advances Following Comprehensive Public Consultation

The Crown Lands Management Bill has successfully passed its second and third readings in the House of Assembly, marking a significant step forward in land management policy.

This legislative progress follows a thorough consultation process that engaged residents from Anegada to Jost Van Dyke. The consultation included seven public meetings spearheaded by Premier and Minister of Finance, Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change, Honourable Dr. Natalio Wheatley, alongside officials from his ministry. Input was gathered from two focus groups, and numerous written submissions were received from the public.

On June 17, the House of Assembly convened to debate the Bill, which emphasises the rights of Virgin Islanders regarding land access and ensures transparency and community interest in the management processes. The Bill then proceeded to the committee stage for further scrutiny.

Honourable Dr. Wheatley remarked, “The Wickham’s Cay lands are managed through the Wickham’s Cay Development Authority, under its own legislation. This will remain unchanged. For areas like Anegada, Salt Island, and North Sound, Virgin Gorda, standing committees will be established. We are confident that many of the concerns raised have been addressed during the committee stage.”

Premier Wheatley also advised those directly affected by the Bill to await official communications from the Government for further details.

The newly formed Standing Committees will collaborate with the Ministry via the Crown Lands Management Board to create clear criteria for ancestral land claims and specify the required documentation for such claims.

Dr. Ronald Smith-Berkeley, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change, stated that the Ministry is prepared and eager to work with the Crown Lands Management Board on this critical issue of land ownership, as recognised in The Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007.

After the Governor’s assent to the Bill, the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change will hold additional public meetings to educate the community about the Act’s provisions.

The Crown Lands Management Bill outlines the administration, management, development, and transparent disposal of all Crown Lands within the Territory, aiming to ensure fair and efficient land use.