Paid For and Won: Never to Be Sold Again

The sanctity of land in St. Kitts and Nevis transcends mere economic value; it embodies a profound historical, cultural, and emotional significance, inextricably linked to the nation’s identity and the struggles of its people. From the colonial era’s bloody conflicts over territorial control to the hard-won independence, land has remained a central theme in the nation’s narrative. The very soil bears witness to past sacrifices, reminding citizens of the cost of freedom and the enduring value of their patrimony. The memory of the Kalinago massacre at Bloody Point serves as a stark reminder of the sacredness of land, forever etched in the nation’s consciousness. This historical context underscores the gravity of the current debate surrounding land ownership and development in St. Kitts and Nevis.

The legacy of national heroes like Sir Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw and Dr. Kennedy Simmonds further emphasizes the importance of land ownership for the people of St. Kitts and Nevis. Bradshaw’s relentless fight for land redistribution, culminating in the acquisition of sugar lands in 1975, stands as a testament to his commitment to empowering the working class. This landmark achievement broke the centuries-long grip of plantation owners and ushered in a new era of land ownership for the people. Simmonds, in turn, solidified this victory by securing these lands for the Federation in 1982. Their combined efforts transformed land from a symbol of oppression into an emblem of empowerment and a legacy for future generations. This historical context provides a crucial lens through which to view contemporary land policies.

The contemporary political landscape presents a troubling departure from this historical reverence for land. The Special Sustainability Zone (SSZ) scheme, supported by both the current administration and the opposition, proposes the outright sale of crown lands to foreign investors under the guise of development and job creation. This bipartisan endorsement represents a potential betrayal of the hard-fought battles of the past and the principles upon which the nation was founded. The stated permanence of these land sales to foreign entities raises significant concerns about the long-term implications for the people of St. Kitts and Nevis and their access to their own land. The echoes of past struggles for land ownership resonate deeply within this context, raising questions about whether the current generation is upholding the legacy of their forefathers.

The proposed SSZ scheme evokes memories of previous development projects that have fallen short of their promises, leaving a trail of broken trust and unrealized potential. Examples such as Christophe Harbour, failed CBI ventures, and stalled housing schemes serve as cautionary tales, highlighting the risks associated with prioritizing foreign investment over the well-being of local communities. Similar experiences in other nations, particularly across Africa, further underscore the potential pitfalls of ceding control of land to foreign developers, often resulting in displacement and exploitation of local populations. These precedents underscore the urgent need for careful consideration and robust public discourse before embarking on irreversible land sales. The limited land resources of St. Kitts and Nevis amplify these concerns, emphasizing the need for sustainable and equitable development strategies.

While acknowledging the importance of foreign direct investment, the author advocates for a more balanced approach that prioritizes leasing over outright sales, ensuring local partnerships, and fostering sustainable development that benefits the entire population. The core argument centers on preserving the nation’s patrimony for future generations and honoring the sacrifices of those who fought for land ownership. Reports of small businesses being displaced to accommodate foreign projects raise alarm bells, echoing the very injustices Bradshaw fought against. This highlights the potential for the SSZ scheme to perpetuate inequalities and undermine the very principles of economic justice it purports to advance.

The author poses a series of critical questions directed at the nation’s leaders, demanding transparency and accountability in the decision-making process surrounding the SSZ scheme. These questions probe the lack of public consultation, the rationale behind selling crown land, the specific investment targets, the accessibility for local businesses, the concessions offered to foreign investors, the identification of designated SSZs, the potential for reclaiming undeveloped land, the preference for selling over leasing, the disparity in land allocation between locals and foreign developers, and the capacity of Kittitians and Nevisians to develop these lands themselves. These inquiries challenge the government to justify its actions and demonstrate its commitment to the best interests of the people. They underscore the crucial need for open dialogue, informed decision-making, and a genuine commitment to preserving the nation’s land for future generations. The author’s concluding call to action emphasizes the urgency of safeguarding the nation’s patrimony, lest this generation betray the sacrifices of its heroes and the future of its children.