The government has acquired 217.35 acres of land on Anguilla’s south coast at a public auction for the reserve price of US$19.8 million.
The 98 parcels are located near Auntie Dol Bay, east of Clayton J Lloyd International Airport between Forest Bay and Long Pond, and include a mix of coastal and elevated land.
In a national address on 30 October, Premier Cora Richardson Hodge said the acquisition, which took place earlier the same day, will give the government greater flexibility to plan for the island’s future.
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It could be used for housing, agriculture, sporting facilities, schools, roads and other public infrastructure, she said, although no specific plans have been decided.
“It’s a strategic investment in Anguilla’s future and an opportunity to ensure that our country’s development continues to serve the people, while protecting the character and interests of our island,” she said.
The premier stressed that any future plans will require careful assessment, infrastructure planning, environmental review and the necessary approvals.
Public land
The government’s US$19,811,268 bid for Parcels 160 to 257, which equated to about EC$53,540,942 at time of publication, represents about US$90,000 per acre.
The premier acknowledged the scale of the expenditure, saying the government recognises the significant public investment and the responsibility involved.
“This was a novel and rare opportunity to acquire the connecting large area of parcels near to the Clayton J Lloyd International Airport,” she said.
“It is a significant acquisition because land is one of Anguilla’s most valuable and limited resources.”
She explained that as Anguilla develops, demand for suitable land for public use continues to grow, limiting flexibility and making long-term planning more difficult.
“This acquisition changes that position by giving government greater access to land and, with it, greater opportunities to plan for the country’s needs,” she said.
An opportunity aquired
Richardson Hodge said the acquisition of the land provides the government with “an opportunity”, and added that its responsibility is to manage it wisely.
“I also recognise that an acquisition of this size raises legitimate questions about cost and the use of public funds. Government has a responsibility to be transparent and accountable,” she said.
The premier said she recognises that the US$19 million is a “substantial financial commitment” and that there is a responsibility that comes with it.
“Government must always weigh the demands on our national resources against the long-term public interest,” she said.
“In this instance, we considered the strategic importance of securing such a substantial parcel of land, and the opportunities it could create for Anguilla over the next 10, 20 and 50 years.
“The value of this acquisition will not be determined by the amount of land we now own alone. It will be determined by how responsibly we manage it, and what we ultimately make possible for our people.”
Undeveloped land
According to the auction description by Orion Credit Management, the property comprises 98 parcels, with 35.48 acres across Parcels 160 to 256 and a further 181.87 acres in Parcel 257.
The undeveloped land includes coastal sections and elevated areas reaching about 70 feet above sea level with views across to St Martin.
Parcel 257 provides registered rights of way giving access to the other parcels, with utilities available along its western, northern and eastern boundaries.
Part of the larger parcel lies within the flight path for aircraft using Clayton J Lloyd International Airport.
The property also includes a restaurant building in its south-western section, occupying about three acres and with a footprint of about 6,000 square feet.
See the premier’s address in full below:
