Ministry Defends Farmer Relocation for Housing Project
BASSETERRE — The Ministry of Sustainable Development is standing by its decision to relocate a farmer from the Cabbage Tree Housing Development in Cayon, saying the move was necessary to allow a long-delayed housing project to proceed after the matter was settled in court.
Minister of Sustainable Development Dr. Joyelle Clarke and Permanent Secretary Sherilita Tyson addressed the issue during a recent appearance on ZIZ, confirming that the land had been reserved for housing since 2006. They said 163 housing lots were sold between 2015 and 2022, but development could not move forward while the land remained under agricultural use.
Tyson said the ministry attempted to resolve the matter through discussions before seeking the court’s intervention.
“The court set the final date for her to move. It was the court who set that date, even though she took us to court,” Tyson said, adding that the ministry then declared the land available for its intended owners.
Clarke said the Labour administration remains committed to supporting farmers while also honoring its obligations to people who purchased housing lots.
“Our position is clear, and this is just a general philosophical position: one person ought not to interrupt the life and livelihood of 163 families,” Clarke said. “With an average household size of four, that’s almost 400 to 500 persons who are delayed in having the home that they paid for.”
Clarke also encouraged residents who purchased lots in Cabbage Tree Phase Three to begin developing their properties, saying they are free to proceed.
The minister pushed back against critics she described as attempting to politicize the issue by pitting farmers against the government.
“Farmers have sense, and farmers understand and appreciate that this government has been working with them,” Clarke said. “It’s been four years of intense and committed work. Regardless of what people try, we’re going to be here to prove and show that we’re doing the work.”
Clarke said the Ministry of Sustainable Development has been engaging continuously with the Ministry of Agriculture to support the farming community throughout the process.
