‘You’d be surprised how many roads encroach on private property’ — Premier
Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley has acknowledged that other public roads in the territory may currently encroach on private property.
His statement comes amid a land dispute between the Chalwell family and the government over roadworks in Hodges Creek.
Speaking with JTV, the Premier clarified that the dispute with the Chalwell brothers, Mickey and Clyde, was not about money but rather a lack of consultation before the Public Works Department (PWD) began road improvements.
The Chalwells fenced off a section of their land after claiming the government encroached on their property without proper engagement. They also sent a cease-and-desist letter months before, warning the government about the issue.
“I think with the Chalwells, it’s just a matter of communication,” Dr. Wheatley said.
He further indicated that it was not uncommon for public roads to be situated on private property without proper documentation or compensation.
“You would be surprised how many public roads are on private property,” Dr. Wheatley stated. However, he did not specify the number of affected properties.
“When surveys reveal encroachments, the government should engage in dialogue with property owners to find solutions,” he added.
Escalation and resolution
The dispute intensified when the Chalwells installed poles on their land, effectively blocking that section of the road. Premier Wheatley acknowledged the frustration and the family’s need to get the government’s attention.
“Unfortunately, it got to that stage where they put the poles in the road. But I think really what they were looking for was to get the attention of government,” he said.
Despite the tension, the Premier praised the Chalwell family for their contributions to the local economy.
“They are patriotic people, excellent business owners, and they are carrying our economy. I have nothing but love and respect for the Chalwell family,” he stated.
Delays
Dr. Wheatley admitted that the Hodges Creek project had been delayed due to design challenges, wayleave issues, and other setbacks.
He apologized to residents affected by the disruptions, particularly those traveling from H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) to Hodges Creek.
“It’s been tough on businesses and the community. But we will finish. We will get the job done,” he assured.
The Premier said his administration would learn from this experience to improve future communication and execution of road projects. “Hopefully, we will learn from the process and execute more efficiently and effectively in the future,” he stated.
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Ever been walking along the road and the sidewalk suddenly becomes narrow or just disappears? Trust me, we’re well aware.
Them Chalwells full of phuc
Almost everybody in the BVI give hovernment free land access to create roads across the territory so that we all can drive on
Set ah greedy (fill in the blanks)
I personally gave some of my land for road widening and never expected to be paid for it as it was for the good of my country.
Anybody ever going to finish the road by the QE2 park?
What happened to the illegal car dump on the coast road. People been fined or put in prison yet?
.. we have a immigration problem in this country . To many buddy
Leave it to bvi news to bring it up again.. so many things were in that interview. Things of relevance and this is what you choose to report . Welsah
So they spent money to buy poles, dig up the road and plant them just for government to communicate that they needed to use the road that was already in use???? They didnt need money, favors anything just communication? Ca i went school for break time…
some of you just talking that frig because youre not in the situation, the government has made public roads on individuals private land and don’t pay nothing but can spend 100 of thousands a dollars a month to pay for office space.
When will the Hodges Creek work be finished? Almost 6 months of torture now for residents and road users and seemingly no end in sight. Is the Premier perhaps hoping to declare the road complete in time for Festival? Perhaps residents should be looking at legal action against the Government for damaging our health, well-being and general way of life. Just something to think about.