Basseterre, Saint Kitts, 25 March 2026 – On Tuesday 24 March, the Minister of Sustainable Development, the Hon. Dr. Joyelle Clarke, alongside Permanent Secretary, Ms. Sherilita Dore-Tyson and Director of Lands and Surveys, Mr. Chezon Tuckett, sat with ZIZ to discuss the critical issue of land as a matter of both life and legacy – a topic stemming from the Ministry of Sustainable Development’s ongoing and decisive efforts to balance sustainable settlement planning with safeguarding national food security.
The officials expressed that the Ministry’s ultimate focus is effectively addressing the unregulated use of land. In the past, many farmers carried out their farming activities with no consultation or approval which has progressively resulted in the construction of homes and structures that have not received the necessary planning permissions, as well as the establishment of animal pens in unsuitable or undesignated areas. Practices that are unsafe and unhealthy for all involved and that do not lend to proper land management.
To tackle this, both the Ministries of Sustainable Development and Agriculture are collaborating through a Technical Working Group on Land Coordination to advance decisions that are fair and fully informed by stakeholder consultations. Both the Minister and Permanent Secretary reassured the public that farmers have been (and will continue to be) engaged as partners in this process, and further highlighted that, despite some misleading claims, clear and structured relocation plans have been mutually agreed on and are being executed to support the transition of those directly affected.
Food Security and Sustainable Settlements remain priority areas for the Government and are included as key pillars of the national Sustainable Island State Agenda (SISA). Which is why ensuring that farmers are reallocated lots that are safer, more secure and better suited for farming is important so that the Federation’s long-term food production and agricultural future can be protected and sustained.
Another item discussed was the matter of illegal vending. The Minister expressed that while the Ministry is committed to supporting the enterprise and entrepreneurialism of our local vendors, setting up shop without adhering to the regulations in place has harmful impacts on road safety, waste disposal, and the general maintenance of many public spaces.
The officials also informed of the commencement of a scheduled progressive road clearing initiative, beginning in Hermitage as part of a broader effort to enhance community accessibility and safety; and updated on the transmission of land allocation letters, urging applicants who may have revised their contact information to get in touch with or visit the Ministry to confirm the status of their letters.
