Nearly 20 years on State land without paying a cent, Min. John claims 

By Val Matthias. Updated 9:50 p.m., Wednesday, November 11, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4). 

Some people who received state land in St Vincent and the Grenadines have held on to their plots for almost 20 years without making a payment, while others have paid as little as EC$100 towards land valued at between EC$20,000 and EC$30,000, Housing Minister Andrew John has disclosed.

Speaking on NBC Radio on Wednesday, John said a review of state land allocations had uncovered cases in which recipients had made no payments at all, despite holding the properties for years.

He said checks of records dating back to 2008 and earlier revealed that some beneficiaries appeared to have believed they were not required to pay because of their political affiliation.

“I got a lot of people who received lands over the years, have not really been paying,” John said.

The minister said some recipients had held land for nearly two decades without paying anything or developing the properties. Others had made only small payments, including EC$100 or EC$250, despite the value of the land.

John said the cost of state land varies according to its location and size, with some parcels valued at between EC$20,000 and EC$30,000.

He acknowledged that some beneficiaries might genuinely be unable to meet their financial obligations. However, he said the review must establish the difference between people who cannot afford to pay and those who simply believe the land was given to them by a political party or government and therefore requires no payment.

Under the terms of the agreements, recipients are expected to pay at least half of the purchase price within the first year, with the remaining balance settled in three instalments over the following year.

John said the government had exercised leniency because it recognised that some people faced financial difficulties.

But he questioned whether recipients who had made no payments and had not developed their land still had a genuine need for it.

“If you are not paying anything, it means that you don’t need the land,” he said, arguing that someone else who needs the opportunity should be considered.

The minister’s comments raise questions about the administration of state land allocations over successive years, including how many recipients have failed to meet their payment obligations and how much money remains outstanding.

John did not disclose the total number of beneficiaries affected, the overall value of unpaid land or how many cases could result in further action.

He also did not indicate whether the government intends to reclaim parcels from recipients who have failed to pay. His remarks, however, suggest that payment records, compliance with agreements and the continued need for the land are among the issues being examined.

The review comes amid wider concerns about the distribution of state land, including whether allocations have reached people most in need and whether beneficiaries have complied with the conditions attached to their grants.

John’s position is that the process must distinguish between those facing genuine financial hardship and those who have retained state land without fulfilling their obligations.

END 

About the Author: This story was written and submitted by freelance journalist Mr. Val Matthias, a trained communicator with more than two decades in the media sector. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Media and Communication (UWI Mona), a Master of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management (UWI Cave Hill), a Certificate in Digital Marketing, and has years of broadcast journalism experience rising to ranks of a programme manager. All supporting materials for this story have been presented, vetted, and verified. Mr Matthias can be reached at [email protected]