Fraser assures Anegadians: ‘Land not going anywhere’
Deputy Premier Julian Fraser has given residents of Anegada strong assurances that land remains available for distribution and that the government is working steadily to put a proper system in place for fair allocation.
Speaking on the Virgin Islands Voice programme, Fraser confirmed that “a lot of land in Anegada” still exists despite years of allocations under various governments. “When I came in a few months ago, I was surprised there was still land left. But there’s a lot of land in Anegada. It’s not going anywhere,” he stated.
His remarks were in response to public calls from Anegadians requesting updates on when they can expect to receive land deeds.
“I promise the folks in Anegada that the land is not going away. It’s going to be there,” Fraser assured. “It’s not like there’s some fish being sold and you’ve been asking for the fish and you see people buying it, and by the time you get up to the line, all the fish is gone.”
Fraser explained that the recently passed Crown Lands Management Act is now the guiding framework for how the government handles land distribution. The legislation requires the establishment of a Crown Lands Board and various advisory committees, including one specifically for Anegada.
“A board has to be put in place. I’ve received recommendations from the membership for the board. I think I’m waiting for probably one more selection before I take it to Cabinet,” he explained.
Fraser acknowledged the contributions of previous committee members who helped advance the Anegada land issue over the years. However, he noted that due to the new law, “that committee had to be disbanded… they will be putting a new committee together.”
He also thanked Anegada’s district representative for facilitating a recent meeting with residents on Tortola. “I think he was out of pocket, chartered a plane for them to come to Tortola. And I thank you, sir,” Fraser said.
In clarifying eligibility concerns, Fraser stressed that the process would be fair and deliberate. “For the most part, the people who are asking about the land now, it’s important to know that they have received land before. And if they haven’t… they’re entitled to the land,” he added.
Fraser cautioned that while there is pressure to act quickly, mistakes could be costly. “If you work too fast, sometimes you make mistakes, and some mistakes can’t be corrected,” he said.
“I promise the people in Anegada, like I promised those in Jost Van Dyke and Virgin Gorda… we are working as feverishly as we can,” Fraser stated.
Anegada land distribution has long been a contentious issue, with residents pushing for title deeds and better transparency. The new legislation is expected to bring structure to what has often been described as a chaotic process.
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Fraser, stop talking BS! That is not empowering your people with that statement. That’s the most stupidest statement I’ve heard from a politician. The land is not going nowhere but the people are. They will die with nothing to show for nor to pass on.
This makes it seems like you are only into yourself.
You need to leave politics immediately with that mindset.
land isn’t going anywhere but those that were in the records of having “walls” and no land deeds have sure gone and so are their children.
Exactly, we are aging and dying waiting on said land!!
What an insensitive comment to make by the Government of the Virgin Islands via Hon. Fraser. It is almost unbelievable that he said it but this is how they think. I am so sorry the people of Anegada have to endure this injustice, and then to be insulted like this by the Government making such insensitive statements should be the last straw. VIP must go!
Exactly, we are aging and dying waiting on said land for years!!! It doesn’t take decades to put a system in place! We are in 2025, at this point Fraser needs to ask Chat GPT on how to do so!
What you expect from a guy who has acres of crown land in Sea Cows Bay not giving out. He isn’t getting that sorted he is talking about Anegada.
These politicians believe that crown land in their district is only for their family and friends. Same thing the then D2 rep did with Spooners estate… Pure family and friends own land in there. Some who own land even before.
Ask him how many titles he gave out when he was the subject minister. Another failed politician who is good at explaining why he has done absolutely nothing.
ACTING SUPPRISED / HE COULDN’T EVRN SETYLE THE FIASCO WITH THE HORSE RACE TRACT , MUCH MORE THIS RODEO GAME THAT IS BEI G PLAYED ON THE PEOPLE FROM ANEGADA , LOOKS LIKE A CAT & MOUSE SCENERIO THATS BEING PLAYED OUT ON THEM ” MANY WILL HAVE TO DIE FIRST ■ THIS US REALLY FUNNY ( HE SAID ( HE WAS REALLY SUPPRISED THAT THERE IS STILL LAND LEFT ) WELL – DUHHHHH , MR ALOOF ( WHO COULDN’T EVEN SIGN A MOTION OF NO CONFIDENCE – SAID THAT THE
COI IS CAUSING RETARDATION , HE MAY HAVE A POINT / THESE WANNABE ARISTOCRATS ARE REALLY EXPOSING THEIR INCOMPETENT SELVES DAILY