Public urged to get acquainted with Crown Lands Management Bill - Crown Lands Management Bill gets First Reading in HoA

ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) is urging the residents of the [British] Virgin Islands to pay attention to the Crown Lands Management Bill, as it received its first reading in the House of Assembly on May 2, 2024.

This Bill outlines clear criteria and processes for the disposal and leasing of Crown Lands, ensuring that decisions made in relation to lands are transparent and in the interest of the community.

Premier Wheatley stated, “I am pleased to present to this esteemed House a comprehensive Crown Lands Management Bill, which has been developed with careful consideration of our historical context, current challenges, and future aspirations. This Bill is not merely a set of rules and regulations, it is a road map to sustainable development, social equity and environmental stewardship.”

Key components of Bill

Some of the key components of the Crown Lands Management Bill include sustainability, affordability, suitability of lands for development, eligibility criteria and responsible management. The Bill also mandates the establishment of a periodic Land Use Plan, which will help shape the future of land allocation, planned communities, and mitigate the adverse impacts of unsuitable development.