Governor gives assent to Crown Lands Management Act
The Crown Lands Management Act 2024 has officially become law, receiving royal assent from Governor Daniel Pruce on Tuesday, August 27.
The Act is designed to enhance transparency and prioritize community interests in the disposal and leasing of Crown lands while governing the administration, management, development, and use of all Crown lands. It fulfills Commission of Inquiry (COI) Recommendation B30, which called for “a wholesale review of processes for the disposal of Crown Land, to ensure such disposals are the subject of an open and transparent process.”
Although the Act faced intense scrutiny from elected leaders concerned that it might make it easier for BVIslanders to lose land their ancestors fought for, Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley defended the legislation during a May sitting of the House of Assembly. He highlighted the balance between economic growth and environmental protection, emphasizing the government’s commitment to safeguarding natural resources for future generations.
“This is not merely a set of rules and regulations; it is a roadmap to sustainable development, social equity, and environmental stewardship,” Dr. Wheatley stated.
The Act addresses longstanding issues with Crown land distribution, including transparency concerns and the equitable allocation of lands, particularly in areas like Anegada.
The government aims to resolve these issues through clear policies and improved management frameworks, possibly involving independent bodies to oversee the process.
Copyright 2024 BVI News, Media Expressions Limited. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.
AYO BETTER BECAREFUL WITH SALT ISLAND LAND AND DONT ALLOW IT TO GET IN FORIEGN HANDS
Will the Legislators who sold land to themselves give them back.
this new law ends the abuse of Crown Land by the politicians and their relatives.
Can bvislanders go anywhere where else to claim land? No. You can go where your ancestors are from to claim though.
All i hope isCornelius Leonarn land he had for generations stay in his hands..
Mr Pruce if Friday come and these clowns ain’t got their act together then do what you gotta do. They have gotten extension after extension.
Warning to the greedy: Ayo better leave Cornelius Lenord, HALVOR Leonard and Marie White and Frncis Leonard children prortion of Salt island.
Have tried to make contact, no one has returned the gesture. Let”s be civil about thi s folks.