View of the Barbuda Ocean Club at Coco Point next to Princess Diana beach in Barbuda, Antigua and Barbuda, Monday, October 23, 2023. (AP Photo/Mohammid Walbrook)
Antigua and Barbuda’s Land Adjudication Board commenced its operations on Wednesday, as reported by Attorney General Steadroy Benjamin to the Cabinet of the twin island.
This development marks a pivotal moment in Barbuda’s land ownership structure, which has historically been based on communal ownership under the crown.
The board’s primary task is to conduct an accurate cadastral survey, mapping out land parcels and establishing clear ownership rights.
Clare K Roberts, a legal professional, has been appointed as the Chairman of the Land Adjudication Board.
Under his leadership, the board will invite long-time occupants of crown land to present their claims for specific parcels.
A key aspect of this initiative is the change in Barbuda’s land ownership laws. While all land in Barbuda has traditionally been perceived as being owned by the people, recent legal changes now allow for crown land to be sold in fee simple to those who have occupied and built homes on these lands.
In a move aimed at facilitating this transition and acknowledging the historical rights of Barbudans, residents will be able to purchase their occupied plots for a nominal fee of $1.
This decision has been met with mixed reactions, with supporters viewing it as a step towards individual property rights and critics concerned about the potential for large-scale land sales to non-Barbudans.
