WEHNER REPORTS: DCA Caught In Capricious Double-Standards

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Joseph billboard being destroyed by DCA

High-Handed Operations of Development Control Authority in Antigua and Barbuda

*Reported by George Wenner FOR Real News*

**April 1, 2024** – George Wenner, reporting from the Northern side of Antigua and Barbuda, shed light on what he described as high-handed operations by the Development Control Authority (DCA), a statutory corporation tasked with implementing land use and planning development functions. The focus of concern was a construction project in the area, which seemed to flout regulations.

Located southeast of Cedar The Grove village and north of New Winthrops village, the area in question, known as Royals and Theo’s Estate, has seen rapid construction activity. However, this activity has not been without controversy. Residents, numbering over 90, have raised objections regarding a multistory structure that appears to violate a restrictive covenant agreement set forth by the National Housing Development and Urban Renewal company, the vendors of the land.

Wehner highlighted that the restrictive covenant explicitly states that only single dwelling houses, with or without garages or necessary outbuildings, should be erected on the lots. Despite this, the construction of a multi-story structure has been allowed to progress unchecked by the DCA.

Further exacerbating the situation is the proximity of the structure to the road. The covenant also mandates a 20-foot setback from the road, yet the structure is only about 8 feet from the road’s edge. This has not gone unnoticed, with multiple reports being filed with the DCA by concerned residents.

What adds fuel to the fire is the alleged association of the property owner with the board of the DCA. This association has raised questions about preferential treatment and a lack of impartiality in enforcing regulations.

Wehner drew attention to a recent incident where a billboard belonging to opposition Senator Jonathan Joseph was swiftly removed by the DCA, citing violations. This stark contrast in action has left residents and observers questioning the DCA’s priorities and its commitment to fair and consistent enforcement.

As this controversy unfolds, residents are left frustrated, with their views obstructed and their concerns seemingly ignored. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of transparent and equitable governance, especially in matters concerning urban development and land use.

George Wenner, in his report, emphasized the need for accountability and urged the DCA to address the grievances of the community promptly. The eyes of the public are now fixed on the DCA, awaiting a response and hoping for a resolution that upholds the rule of law and respects the rights of all stakeholders involved in the development process.

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11 COMMENTS

  1. Top, top investigative reporting again Mr George Wehner; you make me so proud to be an Antiguan.

    Holding the ABLP and the DCA to account once more.

    You’ve got plenty of uncovering to do in the next 4-years sir.

    A TRUE PATRIOT … 🇦🇬🇦🇬🇦🇬

  2. Don’t forget, the important topic is what is happening with Global Bank. Deal with DCA but don’t let the real issue slide

  3. I have a question.. maybe i need a little clarity.. could single dwelling houses not have upstairs.. i guess what i’m asking as long as the house is not an apartment of some sort is it not allowed or is it a case all houses in that community should be on one level… I would agree that the house is definitely not 20 feet back so that alone is a violation and why was that allowed to even happen in the first place.. if the house owner is apart of DCA then they cannot scream that they didn’t know about that rule… but its the usual thing that happens in Antigua everyone is a law unto themselves, well base on who u know… Also i remember passing there and seeing other multi level houses on the lower end of the said road.. i might have to look again… but yea i need some clarity on this regarding the single dwelling houses…

    • I ŵas thinking tbe same thing. I was wondering if I lost my comprehension of the english language. The sentence he refers to say single dwelling; it did not say single storey house. A singke dwelling in my understanding means one structure on the land which can be more than one storey.

      I’m I understanding it clearly?

      If so be needs to retrack this report.

  4. Don’t hold your breath!
    The rule is
    Don’t do as I do
    Do as I say
    Especially with this labor party government
    😔

  5. Utilise the Courts, as a Community Association!

    Let the Legal System work! Whenner’s Reporting will die by the next morning.

    #GO_2_DA_COURTS!

    Jumbee_Picknee aka Ras Smood
    De’ole Dutty Peg🦶🏿Garrat_Bastard

    Vere C. Edwards

    • Hope they can take your advise for Antiguans need to take a page from the Barbudans.
      You win some you loose some; and you build on your wins.
      Whenner’s Reporting is like piece of Fungie falling off the plate.

    • I contend that the entities who can bring about change besides the Courts, are in bed with Gaston, his Cabinet and the ALBP.

      The Antigua and Barbuda Evangelical Alliance and the Antigua Christian Council who witness the advantage being taken, pray with the perpetrators and with the victims.

      They take their handouts from Gaston and say they are blessed.

      The Ecumenical pray with Cabinet in Tuesdays when the deeds are being done; and then pray with their flock of church members on Saturday and Sundays.
      They are a depraved immortal bunch who help to undermine our democracy.

  6. That building will stay as is because DCA is not going ti deman it be torn down to meet the mandatory 20ft requirement.

Comments are closed.