BASSETERRE — The Government says it is making significant progress in relocating farmers from agricultural lands slated for development, though two holdout farmers in the Cayon and Lodge areas continue to block access for more than 400 land owners awaiting their allocated plots.
Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment, Climate Action, and Constituency Empowerment Dr. Joyelle Clarke delivered the update last Thursday during a sitting of the National Assembly, painting an overall picture of smooth transitions while acknowledging persistent legal complications.
“The transitions have generally been smooth,” Dr. Clarke said. “However, we are still resolving the persistent challenges from two farmers in the Cayon and Lodge area affecting over 400 plus land owners and potential owners in this area who are patiently awaiting access to their allocated lots.”
The agriculture sustainable development land transition program has seen most farmers comply with relocation orders, moving voluntarily from the land designated for broader national development initiatives. Dr. Clarke highlighted extensive public engagement, including meetings with farmers, media appearances, and community outreach aimed at keeping stakeholders informed throughout the process.
However, the two non-compliant farmers have created a legal quagmire that has dragged on for over a year. The government first set a deadline of August 30, 2025, for the farmers to vacate their holdings. That date passed without compliance, prompting the Ministry of Sustainable Development to extend the deadline until after Christmas 2025, allowing farmers time to harvest their crops.
Despite the extension, the two farmers remained on the land into 2026. Legal action followed, resulting in an injunction hearing that the court denied. A new removal deadline of April 17, 2026, was set — but that date, too, has passed without the farmers vacating.
The standoff has left hundreds of property owners in limbo, unable to access lands they have been allocated. Both the Ministries of Sustainable Development and Agriculture have worked to ensure the process remains fair and transparent, Dr. Clarke said, taking into account the needs of farmers, land owners, and the value of crops at stake.
A joint technical working group has been established to support the transition process and work toward resolution. Dr. Clarke emphasized that the government remains committed to “fairness, transparency, and proper land use as it advances national development.”