New Bill grants more power to Physical Planning Department

Parliament has approved amendments to the existing Town and County Laws in St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) which, among other things, speak to issues of climate change and resilience, and grants increased enforcement powers to the Physical Planning Department.

The Town and Country Amendment Bill was passed during the Thursday, November 28, 2024 sitting of the House of Assembly, and was tabled by Minister of Transport,Works, Land and Surveys, and Physical Planning, Montgomery Daniel.

With the amendments, membership of the Physical Planning Board will now include the Directors of the National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO), and the National Parks Rivers and Beaches Authority (NPA).

In tabling the Bill, minister Daniel said the original Act dates back to 1976, and there were several amendments since. This latest amendment seeks to keep the Physical Planning authorities abreast of modern events, as they relate to the development of the nation.

It takes into consideration, the need to adapt and mitigate against challenges such as climate change.

The minister outlined that this amendment also makes provision for persons who have been impacted by a natural disaster to begin their rebuilding before getting permission from the authorities. However, this emergency rebuilding must be consistent with what existed before the disaster.

In his contribution to debate on the Bill, Opposition Leader, Dr Godwin Friday, spoke of the importance of the Bill and indicated that his party wanted more time to study the new piece of legislation. Prime Minister, Dr Ralph Gonsalves, noted that this Bill takes into account the manner in which climate change has affected St Vincent and the Grenadines.

He recalled that in 2016, heavy rainfall in April/May resulted in 19 per cent economic damage to SVG.

In her contribution, Minister of Urban Development, Senator Benarva Browne, called on Vincentians to adhere to the rules of the planning authority. She said the Bill will improve the country’s resilience and is for the greater good of the people.

Wrapping up debate on the Bill, minister Daniel stated that, “St Vincent and the Grenadines is on a path for modern development”.

With many large projects now being undertaken, the minister stressed the need for environmental protection.

“We have to ensure that the environment is protected while we encourage and approve the development.”

He also used the opportunity to speak about ‘informal human settlement’ or squatting, discouraging persons from engaging in this activity as it often has a negative impact, especially when locations are on river banks, hillsides and along the coast.

Daniel explained that the Town and Country Amendment Bill seeks to increase the powers of the Physical Planning Department, to ensure improved compliance with the laws.

He also gave the assurance that the changes outlined in the amendment will ensure more orderly development in this county.

He said he considers the changes to be both relevant and timely.