Saint Lucia is launching innovative policies to assist long-established landowners in occupying crown lands, while also addressing the issue of derelict buildings across the nation.
The government has introduced a ground breaking policy that allows individuals to “adversely possess” crown lands. This means that those who have occupied private lands for at least 30 years without interruption and have exercised rights of ownership can apply to the court for ownership.
Minister for Housing and Local Government, Richard Frederick, highlighted that while the court will establish a procedure for this process, the longstanding 30-year prescription has never applied to crown property.
“You can live on crown lands for a million years, but it can never become yours through adverse possession as long as it is registered in the name of the crown,” he explained, during a recent parliamentary sitting.
Recognizing that many individuals have occupied crown lands for extended periods, the government deemed it necessary to grant them titles to the land. “The policy was rolled out by this government, and the cabinet has approved a specimen letter for over 1,000 surveyed lots for donation,” Frederick noted, adding that over 140 individuals will soon receive letters informing them of their land grants from the government at no cost.
Frederick also mentioned that whereas previously, all deeds would be sent to the Governor General; however, with the introduction of a new statutory corporation, the need for sovereign involvement will be effectively reduced. This legislation will allow for significant progress in the housing sector.
In addition to this initiative, the Saint Lucia Unplanned Development Regularization Authority Bill was discussed.
Minister Frederick stated that sections 47, 48, 49, and 50 of the Act address situations that require governmental intervention and fall within the Urban Renewal mandate of the ministry.
He stated, “We have numerous derelict houses throughout the country, and the government may need to acquire these lands to designate and address necessary improvements.”
According to Section 40 regarding the Authority’s power to regularize designated areas, Section 47 outlines actions such as subdividing land, constructing roadways, managing drainage and sewerage systems, installing electricity, demolishing derelict buildings, and land disposal.
Frederick emphasized, “Section 48, which addresses demolition or development work on buildings, stipulates that the authority can act if a building is deemed derelict, unfit for human habitation, or dangerous to health.”
The Minister assured the public that they are aware of the hazards posed by derelict structures, particularly in creating fire risks and potentially damaging neighbouring properties.
“We are moving in the right direction. This legislation paves the way for establishing a statutory corporation with the necessary powers to transfer, develop, and regularize lands already under the Programme for the Rationalization of Unplanned Development (PROUD),” he stated.
The PROUD project, initiated by the government in 2000, continues to expand. A government official noted that a rationalization plan is in preparation for areas in Vieux Fort, with boundary surveys scheduled for La Croix/Laborie, Piaye Village, Sarrot, and Bexon. The sale of land to residents at heavily subsidized prices has commenced in locations such as Desbarras, Pays Perdu, La Ressource, and Ravine Poisson.