MINISTRY OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT ADVANCES LAND REGULARISATION AND STRENGTHENS LAND USE COORDINATION

Basseterre, Saint Kitts, October 31, 2025 (SKNIS): The Ministry of Sustainable Development is continuing its land regularisation initiative in Saint Kitts, ensuring that nationals are empowered through land ownership, and zoning guidelines are strengthened, addressing the access and use of appropriately designated lands.

During the Statement by Ministers segment during the October 31, 2025, Sitting of the National Assembly, Senator, the Honourable Dr. Joyelle Clarke, who serves as the Minister of Sustainable Development, noted that all lands in Saint Kitts and Nevis have been designated for various activities based on appropriate planning guidelines developed by technical experts. The designated zones are listed as protected areas, residential development, commercial activity, industrial activity and green spaces in accordance with the National Physical Development Plan 2024.

“Recently, we have experienced more situations where farmers are occupying lands designated for home construction, or homeowners wanting to construct on lands designated for agricultural activity,” Minister Clarke stated. “What we must be mindful of is the balance between agricultural use and residential development. Both are important, and both require specific land and properly allocated resources.”

As such, the Ministry of Sustainable Development and the Ministry of Agriculture will form a joint technical working group on land coordination and conflict resolution. This will help to improve inter-ministerial communication and cooperation, monitor and evaluate land use and resolve conflicts efficiently. Additionally, a comprehensive land use assessment and national review will be conducted to clearly identify and map areas of current and potential conflict between residential and agricultural lands and promote coherent land use management.

Public consultation and stakeholder engagements will be undertaken by officials with farmers, residents, developers, and community representatives to ensure transparency and inclusiveness in decision-making. Further, where relocation is necessary or unavoidable, affected persons will receive fair compensation packages that are commensurate with relocation. This may include assistance with securing suitable alternative land allocations, financial support or grants, assistance with reconstruction, and demolition as deemed necessary.

The initiative forms part of the ministry’s Sustainable Settlements Portfolio. Officials from the Ministries of Sustainable Development and Agriculture are engaging with farmers in Borryeaux, Cabbage Tree, Cayon, and Racecourse in Newton Ground to relocate from lands designated for housing, allowing residents to begin home construction.

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