Land ownership imminent

( Photo ) Saint Lucia’s Communications and Works Minister Guy Joseph during a recent tour of the Praslin Lands in question

Two critical issues affecting the residents of Praslin and New Extension, two communities of the east coast village of Micoud, is expected to be dealt with sometime during the course of this year.
These two issues deal with the ownership of about twenty-five acres of land at Praslin, and the Vantin lands at Troumassee that the late Sir John Compton had already started work on.
In 1986 Sir John Compton sat at a meeting with residents of Praslin to discuss issues of titlement to the lands. In 1989, these lands were surveyed, marked and sub-divided.
However much time has passed and with Sir John having recently passed away, the current Saint Lucia Government has indicted that this land issue will be completed soon.
During the recent campaigning leading up to the November 26th Micoud-north Bye-Elections, Communications and Works Minister Honourable Guy Joseph stated that the people of Praslin will get ownership papers for the lands.
“Sir John started that process but instead of making sure that the people get titlement to the lands, the former Government took away the lands,” Joseph stated.
He blasted the Dr. Kenny Anthony regime for not ensuring that the lands in question at Praslin were given to the people of Praslin.
Continuing on the issue of land ownership, Minister Joseph further stated that the people of New Extension community will be given the opportunity to buy the lands on which they have built their homes.
“But the lands will not be sold at market prices for it was the people of Micoud who gave value to the lands. If Government has to subsidise the price of the lands so the people can acquire those lands, then the Government will assist,” Joseph added.
Meanwhile, Housing Minister Honourable Richard Frederick gave the residents the assurance that no-one will have them to break down their homes as long as he is in Government.

The Housing Minister addressed this long-standing issue involving the residents of New Extension Phase One, and the Vantim Family, owners of the Troumassee Estate in Micoud, on which construction of a hotel is expected to commence soon.
“Let me state here that as long as I am in Government, no-one will evict you from the lands upon which you have built your homes,” Honourable Frederick stated.
He lamented the role of former Housing Minister Ferguson John in the Dr. Kenny Anthony administration, who is now the legal representative of the Troumassee Estate owners.
No attempt was made to stop the construction of the houses on the lands, yet monies were collected from the occupiers of the many lots for land rental fees.
“Vantin will remove no one from these lands; not over my dead body. This Government will ensure all measures are put in place so that all of you have entitlement to the lands,” Housing Minister Frederick added.
Minister Guy Joseph has stated that, “This area will be developed, but there are certain things to be put in place before the roads issues are addressed.”
For years persons have been complaining of the road conditions in the New Extension community, but due to the lands being privately owned, nothing could have been done.
In underscoring his Government’s position on the issue, Prime Minister Stephenson King is not happy with the approach taken by the owners of the lands.
“This Government will not sit idly while persons living on the lands are taken advantage of,” the Saint Lucia Leader pointed out.