The Antigua and Barbuda Cabinet has issued a stern warning that unauthorised land sales, leases and development activities in Barbuda will not be recognised by the government and could result in enforcement action, including the demolition of illegal structures.
Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant disclosed the warning during Thursday's post-Cabinet media briefing, following Cabinet discussions on the establishment of the Barbuda Land Registry and the government's preparations for the eventual sale of Crown lands on the island.
Cabinet received an update from Attorney General and Minister for Legal Affairs Sir Steadroy Benjamin on progress toward operationalising the Barbuda Land Registry — a system the government says will provide a legal framework for land registration and transactions in Barbuda. Cabinet expressed satisfaction with the progress made to date and reaffirmed its long-standing position on land authority in Barbuda.
Central to that position is the government's assertion that the Barbuda Council does not hold the legal authority to sell, lease or otherwise dispose of land. Cabinet maintained that any attempt by the Council to conduct such transactions would have no legal effect and would not be recognised or honoured by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda.
Merchant said work is continuing on the legal and administrative mechanisms required to facilitate land registration and transactions. Officials believe the registry will create greater certainty for landowners, investors and prospective developers by providing an official system for recording and verifying land interests.
On the matter of unauthorised development, ministers reiterated that all land transactions and development activities must comply with the laws of Antigua and Barbuda. Structures erected without the necessary approvals could be subject to enforcement measures, Merchant said, including demolition and removal.
Cabinet discussed specific instances of development taking place without the required permissions and stressed that the government is prepared to act where necessary.
The warning comes as the government moves to strengthen oversight of land administration in Barbuda through the creation of the land registry. Officials describe the initiative as a more transparent and secure system for managing land transactions across the island.
Merchant said Cabinet views the registry as a critical component of efforts to improve transparency, protect property rights and ensure that all land-related activities are conducted within the framework of national law. The government, he added, remains committed to promoting orderly development in Barbuda while ensuring that land ownership, transfers and development projects are carried out in accordance with established legal procedures.
The discussions formed part of Cabinet's ongoing review of land management issues in Barbuda and the broader effort to establish systems that officials say will provide greater legal certainty for residents, developers and investors.
