The Development Control Authority wishes to clarify misleading information presented in a recent online news article regarding a scheduled demolition for November 14 at 9:00 am at Jennings New Extension, which has since been postponed until April 2025.
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The news article published by Real News Antigua on Facebook suggests that twenty-one (21) homes are scheduled for demolition. This is inaccurate, as there are only eight (8) homes scheduled for demolition by the DCA.
The owners of these 8 homes have received notice to vacate Crown Land controlled by the Ministry of Lands for four years, with notice given as recent as July 31, 2024.
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Additionally, the Compliance and Enforcement Unit within the DCA further alerted the owners with a nal notice dated October 7 . None of the mentioned home owners came into the Ministry of Lands which is responsible for administering Crown Lands.
The DCA is not responsible for the sale of lands.
The Central Housing and Planning Authority made separate arrangements with other home owners in the same ood-prone area. It must be restated that the homes scheduled for demolition are on Crown Lands from Ministry of Lands only.
Section 34(8) of the Physical Planning Act lists the steps the Authority may require to be taken by a person on whom an enforcement notice has been served, to remedy the breach to which the enforcement notice relates, which includes the demolition or removal of a building whole or in part.
The Authority has extended the enforcement deadline until April 30, 2025.
Failure to comply by removing the homes scheduled for demolition will result in damage and loss to property.
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The “misleading information” came from UPP’S “REAL News”
A good thing Damani Tabor leave them to their own destruction!!!!
Wicked, useless, non-entity Jonathan help to spread the propaganda
Squatting, or adverse possession of state land, presents significant challenges to governance, land management, and national sovereignty, especially concerning non-citizens. The unauthorized occupation of state land exacerbates social, economic, and environmental issues while undermining the rights and interests of citizens. Squatting by non-citizens must be deterred!
State land is a critical national asset reserved for the benefit and development of its citizens. When non-citizens occupy state land illegally, it undermines a nation’s sovereignty over its resources and creates tensions around land ownership. Effective land governance requires that states exercise complete control over their territory, ensuring that land is used in a manner that aligns with national priorities.
Squatting, in general, but especially by non-citizens, creates inequities by diverting state land from its intended purpose—serving the needs of the local population. Citizens who abide by the law and follow formal land acquisition processes may be disadvantaged, while non-citizens exploit the lack of enforcement. This undermines the principles of fairness and justice, potentially fueling resentment and social unrest.
Again, especially non-citizens who squat on state land often place additional pressure on public resources and services, such as healthcare, education, and utilities, without contributing equitably to the national economy through taxes or other means. This act diverts resources from citizens, making it more challenging for governments to meet development goals.
Unregulated squatting often occurs in ecologically sensitive areas or unsuitable for habitation, such as wetlands or protected forests. This leads to environmental degradation, loss of biodiversity, and increased vulnerability to climate change impacts. Moreover, unplanned settlements hinder infrastructure development and disrupt urban and rural planning initiatives.
Squatting by non-citizens can pose national security risks, especially when many individuals settle in strategic or sensitive areas. Unregulated settlements may provide a base for illicit activities, exacerbate border control challenges, and complicate efforts to monitor unauthorized movements of people and goods.
Recommendations to Deter Squatting by Non-Citizens
1. Strengthen Legal Frameworks:
o Enact and enforce laws that prohibit non-citizens’ adverse possession of state land.
o Introduce penalties for unauthorized occupation, including deportation, where applicable.
2. Enhance Border and Land Monitoring:
o Implement satellite imaging and land monitoring systems to detect and prevent unauthorized land use.
o Strengthen border controls to limit illegal migrants who can’t sustain themselves.
3. Public Awareness Campaigns:
o Educate citizens and non-citizens about the legal consequences of squatting and the importance of adhering to land acquisition laws.
o Collaborate with neighboring countries to address cross-border squatting issues.
4. Provide Housing Solutions for Vulnerable Populations:
o Address the root causes of squatting by investing in affordable housing and creating formal channels for non-citizens, such as migrant workers, to access temporary housing solutions.
5. Timely Enforcement Actions:
o Conduct regular surveys of state lands and promptly remove unauthorized settlements before they become entrenched.
o Where applicable, offer assistance for voluntary relocation while maintaining a firm stance on illegality.
Deterring squatting is essential for protecting national sovereignty, ensuring equitable access to resources for citizens, and maintaining sustainable land management practices. A firm yet compassionate approach—one that addresses root causes while upholding the rule of law—is necessary to prevent adverse possession of state land and safeguard the interests of future generations. Governments must act decisively to address this issue, balancing enforcement with social and economic considerations.
All lies in this article . information recieved yesterday there were 21 homes involved, only today at 1 pm it was clarified that out of the 21 there will be only 8 persons affected. and yes letters were written based on the notice given
DCA ran to the news outlet quickly this afternoon because they know they are misleading those group of residents. They offered them a letter in October stating they can come in to regularize themselves on the lands. And they also offered pple the option to pay for the lands in 2022. Those 3 entities know exactly what they are doing! They are working together with that FOREVER ABSENT MINISTER THAT only shows up when it’s election time. Whenever notices are given the people go in and show up. But because they took the last letter they had isssued to them they can go comment those LIES!!!
21 OR 8-HOUSES ? …FACTUALLY POISED FOR DEMOLITION-8
QUESTIONS…?
WHO SQUATS? …WHO SWAPS? AND …WHO BUYS…?
Confirming that ‘…Only 8-Houses’ are poised for ‘…DEMOLITION,’ simply means an inflated number of ’13.’
Still, the darn ‘…NEWS OF DEMOLITION’ remains ‘…IRREFUTABLY FACTUAL.’
NOW:
Beyond the ‘…ÍNFLATED NUMBER OF 13,’ the ‘QUESTIONS’ are:
(i) ‘…Who are the people that ‘…SWAT?:
(ii) …Who are the people that ‘…SWAP?: and just
(iii) …Who are the people that ‘…BUY?’
WATCH YOUR DARN SELVES.
Those lands belong to the people of Antigua and Barbuda.I remembered that a former UPP Administration wanted to move persons from Crown Lands at Perry Bay.The ABLP in OPPOSITION told them not to move.To this day,they are there at Perry Bay.People of Jennings do not move.WHen DCA comes to breakdown your homes push back by any means possible.I do mean by any means possible.Do not be pushed off your lands.Do not friggin move.DCA ONLY HAS STRONG FOR CERTAIN PEOPLE.HOWEVER,THEY WOULD NEVER BREAK DOWN ANY SUPPORTERS OF THE ABLP PROPERTIES .IF THEY ARE IN VIOLATIONS OF ANY STATUTES.GO AND KNOCK DOWN THE POLITICAL BILLBOARDS STILL UP AROUND ANTIGUA FOR THE ABLP.