The BVI may soon have to consider land reclamation as a necessary step to support future economic development, according to comments made during a recent radio discussion on Crown land management.
Land reclamation is effectively the process of creating new land from oceans, seas, riverbeds or lake beds. Talk show host Dr Harlan Vanterpool and attorney David Abednego raised the issue while examining challenges linked to limited land availability and longstanding disputes over water rights in the territory.
Dr Vanterpool pointed to the constraints faced by small island developing states, noting that physical space for expansion remains limited. “Reclamation, clearly something for economic development and for development as a whole, is going to be a question,” he stated.
He said the issue is tied to broader considerations surrounding seabed ownership and the high watermark, describing it as a matter that will require policy direction in the years ahead.
Reclamation plan needed
Abednego, who the government previously commissioned to review Crown lands and recommend improvements, also underscored the potential benefits of reclamation.
“Reclamation, especially, is a must, you know, for bringing in new types of economic benefits to us,” he stated.
Dr Vanterpool suggested that the territory may need to adopt a long-term reclamation agenda similar to other small island economies. “We ultimately, in my view, will have to decide on a reclamation plan or agenda for the territory at some point,” he said.
He added that jurisdictions such as Hong Kong have relied on reclamation policies to expand their economic footprint and manage growth, noting that the BVI may face similar pressures, particularly as it continues to position itself within the marine industry.
“The future of the Virgin Islands will probably include significant reclamation at some point or the other,” he stated.
Transparency concerns
The discussion also highlighted concerns about transparency in how reclamation approvals are granted. Abednego said some applicants have questioned the consistency of decisions.
“You hear persons who said they themselves have applied to the reclamation and were denied… you still have that feeling if you’re applying, well, what are the criteria?” he stated.
He explained that existing legislation outlines requirements such as demonstrating financial benefits and alignment with development goals. Still, he stressed the need for a clearer, territory-wide approach.
Abednego also noted that traditional development areas are becoming increasingly limited. “We don’t have the hillsides anymore… as much as the marine, you know, the water, there’s potential out there,” he stated.
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