Fraser assures Anegadians: ‘Land not going anywhere’

Deputy Premier Julian Fraser has given residents of Anegada strong assurances that land remains available for distribution and that the government is working steadily to put a proper system in place for fair allocation.

Speaking on the Virgin Islands Voice programme, Fraser confirmed that “a lot of land in Anegada” still exists despite years of allocations under various governments. “When I came in a few months ago, I was surprised there was still land left. But there’s a lot of land in Anegada. It’s not going anywhere,” he stated.

His remarks were in response to public calls from Anegadians requesting updates on when they can expect to receive land deeds.

“I promise the folks in Anegada that the land is not going away. It’s going to be there,” Fraser assured. “It’s not like there’s some fish being sold and you’ve been asking for the fish and you see people buying it, and by the time you get up to the line, all the fish is gone.”

Fraser explained that the recently passed Crown Lands Management Act is now the guiding framework for how the government handles land distribution. The legislation requires the establishment of a Crown Lands Board and various advisory committees, including one specifically for Anegada.

“A board has to be put in place. I’ve received recommendations from the membership for the board. I think I’m waiting for probably one more selection before I take it to Cabinet,” he explained.