STATEMENT BY MINISTER FOR EDUCATION, CULTURE, YOUTH AFFAIRS, FISHERIES AND AGRICULTURE
HONOURABLE NATALIO D. WHEATLEY
DURING THE SEVENTH SITTING OF THE FIRST SESSION OF THE FOURTH HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2019

ACQUISITION OF LAND FOR ENIS ADAMS PRIMARY SCHOOL

Mr. Speaker, thank you for the opportunity to inform the public about the acquisition of land for the Enis Adams Primary School.  This government, the people’s government, has resolved a 47 year old problem.

Mr. Speaker, the building of Enis Adams Primary School decades ago encroached on private property belonging to the Turnbull family.  There was an agreement to pay this family a sum of money for the use of this land.  Records indicate that this family was not paid between the years 1972 and 2019.

Mr. Speaker, as this government is a government of fairness and solutions, we resolved to solve this longstanding issue by agreeing to pay the family appropriate compensation for the land.  It was with a feeling of great pride that my ministry announced the acquisition of this land at the reopening of the Enis Adams Primary School, rebuilt through the generous patronage of Peter Haycraft and family.  A plaque recognizing the contribution of the Turnbull family is now displayed at the school.  Parents, students, teachers, and the community in general are elated with this school.

The acquisition of this property on September brings to rest a longstanding issue and the government, the Turnbull family, and the community can be at peace.  This matter that has existed for 47 years has now been solved by this unconventional government.

This, Mr. Speaker, is a victory for the students of the Enis Adams Primary School—past, present, and future—and a victory for the people of the Virgin Islands.  I thank you for allowing me the time to keep the people informed on this important development.