BASSETERRE: The Ministries of Sustainable Development and Agriculture share joint stewardship over our Federation’s land resources. In the execution of both mandates, growing challenges arising from overlapping residential, commercial and agricultural land use across our island are becoming increasingly apparent.
As the needs of our sectors and people increase, our developmental capacity must expand to match. In this regard, we consider conflicts between housing development, human settlements and agricultural production deleterious to our sustainable growth as a nation.
In light of these concerns and in keeping with our National Development Planning Framework (NDPF) as well as pillars three (3) and five (5) of our Sustainable Island State Agenda (SISA) – Food Security and Sustainable Settlements respectively – our Ministries are jointly committed to exploring and leading a coordinated and balanced approach to land management – one that protects vital agricultural zones, supports sustainable housing development and human settlement and ensures fair recourse for all affected communities and the livelihoods enjoyed and practiced therein.
To this end, we are announcing the following joint measures:
- Creation of a Joint Technical Working Group on Land Coordination and Conflict Resolution
A Joint Technical Working Group will be created with membership spanning both Ministries (guided by a Terms of Reference) as a means of strengthening inter-ministerial coordination and cooperation towards monitoring, evaluating and resolving land conflicts and promoting coherent land use and management.
- Comprehensive Land Use Assessment
A national review will be conducted to clearly identify and map areas of current and potential conflict between residential and agricultural lands. This process will guide future zoning and planning decisions.
- Public Consultation and Stakeholder Engagement:
Both Ministries, via the Technical Working Group, will host public-facing media engagements as well as a series of consultations with farmers, residents, private developers, and local authorities to ensure that decisions are made transparently and with broad participation and input.
- Relocation and Compensation Framework
Where relocation is deemed necessary or unavoidable, affected persons will be provided with compensation packages that are commensurate to the needs arising from said relocation as a means of support towards the re-establishment of their livelihoods. This may include:
- Assistance with securing suitable alternative land allocations,
- Financial support and/or grants
- Assistance with reconstructions/demolitions as deemed necessary
As we work towards becoming a Sustainable Island State, we must prioritize the strategic use and management of our limited land resources – especially in zones designated for human settlement. These commitments help to ensure that our Government meets the needs of our people today without compromising the inheritance of future generations.
Together, we reaffirm our dedication to protecting our environment, strengthening food security, and advancing the vision of a sustainable and prosperous Saint Kitts and Nevis and ask kindly for your understanding, compliance and active participation as we do so.