The St Vincent government (SVG) is actively pursuing efforts to acquire or obtain Baliceaux, an island that has been historically recognised as the spiritual and ancestral territory of the Garifuna people.
Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves announced on March 14, 2023 that the government is actively considering the acquisition of Baliceaux. However, on January 3rd, he stated that he had formally asked for an appraisal of the island.
“I had requested the Chief Surveyor over the holiday period to have a valuation done for Balliceaux with a view to the government setting up to purchase if we have an agreement.”
Gonsalves stated that in the event of a failure to reach an agreement, the government has the option to activate the law regarding acquisition, which would require them to provide just and equitable compensation. Nevertheless, Gonsalves stated that if the desired outcome cannot be attained, the issue will need to be escalated to a tribunal in accordance with the law.
Gonsalves expressed his desire for a resolution about the procurement or acquisition of Baliceaux before March 14, 2024, which marks the commemoration of the death of Paramount Chief Joseph Chatoyer, a revered national figure in this country.
“I spoke to the lawyer for those who have acknowledged that they have title to the land (Baliceaux). Naturally, that title would have to be interrogated to make sure that everything is in order, as is the case if the government is buying anything or acquiring anything, any land.”
Gonsalves stated that the historical significance of Baliceaux will provide challenges for any form of development on the island.
“If a non-Vincentian wants to buy it, the first thing they have to get is an Alien Land Holding Licence, and that will not be easily granted because this is a historical site, this is a place for a memorial, and if you’re having a development that is of value but which has a certain amount of land set aside for the memorial, it is clear that there are really no takers and the owners either don’t have the inclination or don’t have the resources to develop.”
Gonsalves emphasised that Battowia, the adjacent island, serves as a bird sanctuary and must be preserved as an undisturbed natural ecosystem. Hence, the government will categorically deny granting a land-holding permit to any anybody who wants to own it, regardless of their alien status.
