Still no land titles for Anegada

Former Deputy Premier in the governing Wheatley administration, Lorna Smith, has said Anegada residents remain without land titles that were promised to them over a year ago.

At a recent press conference, Smith expressed frustration over the delay and highlighted the government’s failure to follow through on commitments made to the residents of the sister island.

“The land titles that were offered, in fact not just offered but it was agreed that they would have been given to Anegadians a year ago—they are still not given to the Anegadians,” Smith stated.

She noted that this ongoing issue has caused significant concern among residents, especially as others not from the island seem to be progressing with their developments ahead of locals. In December 2023, Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley promised to address Anegada’s land issues, stating, “We’re going to make the decision for them to get their deeds… something that will have a dramatic impact on their ability to… develop homes and businesses and build villas and whatever else.”

Smith described the situation as “annoying and concerning,” pointing to the perception that Anegada is being treated unfairly.

“Anegada is being treated like I wouldn’t even call it a stepchild. It’s being treated in a fashion—it’s like a distant cousin of the British Virgin Islands,” she stated.

Delayed pay

In addition to the unfulfilled promise of land titles, Smith criticised the government’s inaction in paying members of the Anegada Lands Commission for their hard work.

“We approved supplementary provisions for the persons who had worked so hard on the Anegada Lands Commission… and these people still have not been paid the monies that have been owed to them,” she remarked. According to Smith, this was not the only failing of the government regarding Anegadians since they were all so “left out of the fold” for assistance regarding micro and small business grants.

“I hope having spoken to them, having spoken to the Ministry, spoken to the Department of Trade that they will receive the grants that they are eligible for this year,” Smith added. According to Smith, resolving these matters is critical to bringing Anegada into the centre of the BVI’s economic and social progress. “I call on the government to fix these kinds of issues,” she urged.

Historically, Anegada has faced infrastructure and resource allocation challenges compared to other parts of the territory. Last year, Premier Wheatley pledged to enhance engagement with Anegada residents following concerns about a proposed road closure during the Lobster Fest weekend.

The Premier apologised for the lack of prior engagement and expressed his intention to visit Anegada beyond the Lobster Fest event to listen to residents’ concerns thoroughly.