The Antigua and Barbuda Cabinet has issued a warning that unauthorized land sales, leases and development activities in Barbuda will not be recognized by the government and could result in enforcement action, including the demolition of illegal structures.
The warning was disclosed by Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant during Thursday’s post-Cabinet media briefing following discussions on the establishment of the Barbuda Land Registry and the government’s preparations for the sale of Crown lands on the island.
Merchant said Cabinet received an update from Attorney General and Minister for Legal Affairs Sir Steadroy Benjamin on progress being made toward operationalizing the Barbuda Land Registry, a system the government says is intended to provide a legal framework for land registration and transactions in Barbuda.
According to Merchant, Cabinet expressed satisfaction with the progress made to date and reaffirmed its long-standing position regarding the authority of the Barbuda Council in land matters.
He said Cabinet maintained that the Barbuda Council does not have the legal authority to sell, lease or otherwise dispose of land.
During the discussions, Cabinet emphasized that any attempt by the Barbuda Council to conduct land sales, leases or transfers would have no legal effect and would not be recognized or honored by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda.
The position reflects the government’s continued stance on land administration in Barbuda as it advances efforts to establish a formal land registry system on the island.
Merchant said Cabinet was advised that work is continuing on the legal and administrative mechanisms required to facilitate land registration and land 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.
The Cabinet also used the opportunity to issue a warning regarding unauthorized development.
Merchant said ministers reiterated that all land transactions and development activities must comply with the laws of Antigua and Barbuda and that any structures erected without the necessary approvals could be subject to enforcement measures.
He noted that Cabinet discussed instances of development taking place without the required permissions and stressed that the government is prepared to take action where necessary.
According to Merchant, enforcement measures could include the demolition and removal of unauthorized structures built in violation of planning and development requirements.
The warning comes as the government moves to strengthen oversight of land administration in Barbuda through the creation of the land registry and the implementation of what officials describe as a more transparent and secure system for managing land transactions.
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.