According to a local single mother, who has chosen to remain anonymous, the National Democratic Party (NDP) Government needs to talk less and show more action. Photo: VINO/File

To:

His Excellency Governor John Duncan, Hon Dr. D. Orlando Smith, Hon Dr. K. Pickering, Hon Dr. H O’Neal and Members of the Cabinet, I hereby seek your attention on this matter for just a moment.

May 23, 2017

RE: Virgin Gorda Land

I am a young single parent, born and raised in the BVI. I serve my community well. I speak knowing that there are others in the same predicament but are afraid to speak out. I am at the age where I need a sure place for my family and I, a place to lay my head with the assurance that at the end of the day I can call it my own, in order for me to do that I will need property (land).

I have applied for land in North Sound a number of years ago; I received a letter of receipt of the application from the department of Natural Resources and Labour and that was it. Time and time again I’ve asked a certain minister about the land distribution in North Sound. I was told that the Government along with Social Security will do a housing project in that area for the selected few who will be given land.

On May 6, 2015, the Government press release stated that the Premier and Minister of Finance, at a Press Conference on April 21, 2015 said that “ownership of lands by BVIslanders, had always been of interest to successive governments and that in following through with the Government’s commitment to the people, the concerns and loud cries of those in the Virgin Gorda community were heard”. Hon Pickering added, “I am pleased to report that this Government has approved a total 60 persons for phase one of this project: thirty five persons for phase one of Great Hill. Eight persons for the phase one of Bakers Bay and seventeen persons for phase one (1) of the Bond Subdivisions. Development in these areas will be carried out in a phased approach and we endeavor to carry out further subdivisions in the future.”

How far in the future sir? When will there be a phase two (2)? Sir, I am almost 35yrs and cannot see my head way in my own country. I own land in another country that is not even my home. Premier Smith further stated that road cutting is to commence in the North Sound area soon. That was in 2015. Sir, these words (soon) and phrases (in the future) do not give an assurance to us. They are neither here nor there. Did anyone of these 60 applicants receive hard evidence that they are the designated owners of the above mentioned land? Why out of 600 people it is only 60 that were selected? Is the process leading up to the distribution of the properties in full effect? I contacted the department of Natural Resources and Labour and I was told that nothing is being done. Everything is at a standstill.

In the news, bvinews.com/new/hundreds-promised-land-houses-on-vg/ the Hon. Dr. H. O’Neal stated “I know there are hundreds of applications for crown land and fortunately for us here on Virgin Gorda, we have more than enough crown land that every single applicant will get a piece of land.” The article was posted on November 11, 2016. Dr. O’Neal stated that a housing plan has already been developed by the NDP government. http://bvinews.com/new/revealed-major-plans-for-9th-district/ his direct words were “The distribution of crown land to young Virgin Gordians will not only continue, a housing plan has already been developed by the National Democratic Party, by the Honourable Mark Vanterpool, that will provide first time home owners in the Ninth District and throughout the territory with affordable financing to build their first homes.” Hon Mark Vanterpool, Sir, is this true? When will these plans come into existence? How long does it take for plans to be approved, surveying to be conducted, roads to be cut and paved and houses to be built? 

Sir(s), I find it very disheartening to see that the government of the British Virgin Islands is by no way pressed in their hearts/spirits to deliver the promises that was promised to us the people of the BVI. Time and time again we have fallen victim to the persuasive, eloquent, charismatic words of ministers that we entrusted to pave the way that would make a better life for us. We placed our confidence in you, rallied with you, even lost close friends due to election differences; the tension was high during election time but we still stuck it out with you and rejoice with you until it was all over. Now that it’s all over, what’s next? What should be next is keeping every promise that was ever made to us. We’ve taken note of every word you said in town hall meetings, every little chit-chat we ever had when we met along the way and the public statements that are aired online. We held onto those words as it brought assurance in our hearts that life in the BVI will be a better place under your governance. We are very grateful for all the promises that were kept. Hats off to all the ministers that actually kept their word. You have proven that you can be trusted.

With all due respect sir(s), I am quite sure that each and every government official and each members of cabinet are living quite comfortable lives. Sleeping comfortable at night in your own home or government funded home (tax payers), three square meals a day, bills paid and even if you are paying mortgage – it doesn’t affect your salary. I am quite happy that you are happy, but what about us? When do we the people of the BVI get to enjoy Nature’s Little Secret? The majority of us is between the working class and poverty stricken and can barely provide for our households. House rent alone takes up ¾ of our income. We are left with ¼ of our salary to cover food, water, light, phone, cable, health care, children maintenance etc. I’ve been in house rent for over 7yrs. I’ve calculated the amount of monies spent in paying rent for a number of years and I was flabbergasted at the figure. The amount of monies spent in rent could’ve built me a decent home. These rental companies are making it but what about us who don’t own apartments or businesses? Life here in the BVI isn’t easy. Cost of living is too high for many people here. Food costs continue to rise drastically. One day a product is a certain price, the next day it gone up $6+ added to the original figure. Many people especially on Virgin Gorda have lost their jobs in the Hotel industry. Some have acquired new ones, some temporary and others haven’t found any. Landlords are constantly raising the prices for their apartments, some without even upgrading the place. It seems as if the system is designed in a way for only who have to continue having, and for the working class and poor people to continue living from paycheck to paycheck. I am not of the mindset that it is only those of prestige; due to their names are the ones that will prosper here. Sir, I am a proud BVIslander and I wouldn’t trade home for any other place but this “I born here” slang isn’t enough for me to hold onto. I have been raised by parents who taught me that “mama got, papa got, blessed is the child that has his own”.

On October 22, 2014 Dr Hon K. Pickering stated “One of the things that I as the minister have suggested, and something that I strongly believe in, is that we’ve got to find ways to help people to build homes. The idea of just giving people land and hoping that they themselves will be able to build homes is proving to be more and more of a difficult practical issue, The cost of building a home continues to escalate, and is fast getting out of the reach of the average BVIslander”. http://bvinews.com/new/over-600-seeking-govt-land-on-vg-pickering-laments-cost-of-building-homes/  Sir, I understand that the price of crown land has now escalated from $700 +. I confirmed this previous cost by telephone the department of Natural Resources and Labour. Why has it gone up if you are trying to help us?

In conclusion, it was said that the concerns and loud cries of those in the Virgin Gorda community were heard. Sir(s), can you please hear my cry?

From: Single mother that needs more action and less talk.