‘No responsible government can develop lands on Bequia at $7’
Instead the Prime Minister suggested that it is a fine investment for locals to buy lands in Bequia at EC$14 a square foot while foreigners will be sold lands at a price of EC$18 a square foot.{{more}}
The PAA is pressing for lands to be sold more cheaply to the locals, but Prime Minister Gonsalves explained to them why the government cannot afford to go cheaper than it has done.
“I know the alliance has said that this price is too high… I cannot develop land at $7 a square foot and sell it for $10. I cannot do that, and no responsible government can do that,” said Dr. Gonsalves in defiance.
Dr. Gonsalves noted: “I will say this, the poor man will still not be able to buy the land for $10… The people who will buy it at $10 are those who locally are buying at $14. only that they will buy more,” said Dr. Gonsalves explaining that near half of the lots that have been sold so far have been bought by nationals of St.Vincent and the Grenadines including people of Bequia.
“The funny thing is this, you will be amazed to know the number of locals including people in the quote and unquote alliance who have inquired from agents to buy lands,” said Dr. Gonsalves.
The Prime Minister said there are instances where persons have bought lands cheap in Bequia at $2 and $3 a square foot and have tried to sell them at exorbitant prices, though there are covenants that forbade them to.
“I believe one or two of them have already gotten away with it, you know, but we have picked up several because they have a covenant that they are not supposed to sell unless they get permission from the vendor, that is to say the government,” said Dr. Gonsalves.
Dr. Gonsalves and government representatives, were asked by the PPA to answer several questions including this: “Is government selling land to locals at affordable prices; if so how much land, and when will it actually become available? Is land being retained for future generations?
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