The review process is complete for sixty residents on Virgin Gorda to receive lands as part of the Government’s land distribution programme.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Natural Resources and Labour, Dr. the Honourable Kedrick Pickering has expressed thanks to the members of the Virgin Gorda Lands Committee for their dedication and hard work in the recommendation of lands on Virgin Gorda for eligible members of the Virgin Gorda community.

Minister Pickering said, “The review process is complete and we are pleased with the efforts of these committed BVIslanders. The time taken to review the applicants, to make recommendations and to ultimately serve our Territory is noteworthy.”

Minister Pickering outlined that the final decision for land distribution was made by Cabinet following the recommendation of the Committee. He said that empowering local persons, especially young people, through property ownership was very important and he was pleased to be involved at this time in history.

At a Press Conference on April 21, Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr. the Honourable D. Orlando Smith, OBE said that ownership of lands by BVIslanders, had always been of interest to successive governments. He said that in following through with the Government’s commitment to the people, the concerns and loud cries of those in the Virgin Gorda community were heard.

Premier Smith said the Virgin Gorda Lands Committee was implemented in 2013 and concerns were addressed with the initiation of a land distribution scheme to subdivide three sites in North Sound, Virgin Gorda for residential and commercial purposes.

The Premier said, “Two of the sites, the Bond and Great Hill are to be subdivided for residential house lots while Bakers Bay has been earmarked for commercial purposes.”

He added, “I am pleased to report that this Government has approved a total 60 persons for phase one of this project: thirty five persons for phase one of Great Hill. Eight persons for the phase one of Bakers Bay and seventeen persons for phase one of the Bond Subdivisions. Development in these areas will be carried out in a phased approach and we endeavour to carry out further subdivisions in the future.”

Premier Smith further stated that road cutting is to commence in the North Sound area soon.

For further information or questions concerning the land distribution in North Sound, Virgin Gorda, persons are encouraged to contact the Lands Unit of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour at 468-2147.

The Government of the Virgin Islands endeavours to effectively manage and administer the Territory’s natural resources in a manner that ensures long-term sustainability.