By KETRICIA FINCH
St. Kitts Reporter
The people of Nevis have expressed dissatisfaction with the previously proposed agreement between the former Nevis government and New Found investment. The citizens felt that the 600 acres of prime beach front property was way too much to sell to foreign investors. They also objected to the 30-year concessions and the 21 million US dollars that New Found would have paid for the land saying it was much less than they thought it was worth. The recently elected NIA has inked a new agreement with New Founds which has reduced the concessions given and reclaimed 172 acres of that land. Observer asked Nevisians: Are you satisfied with this new deal?
‘Bigs’, Entrepreneur – I think getting back part of the land is lovely. But at the same time, we want the land to be a bit cheaper because it’s very expensive and people can’t afford it because Nevisians are suffering. I feel it’s good but the land needs to be affordable so young people could afford it. That’s what we are striving for.
Wilmot Hobson, Construction – They shoulda get more. I appreciate them getting back the land but I don’t appreciate all the deals that New Found did with the people of Nevis because I see them as a rip off company towards the people. We have to reserve land for the future unborn generation. We can’t let too much foreign investors take up a lot of our prime land. We already come out of slavery. We can’t afford to put everything back in the master’s hand and then we still have to go back on the plantation to work for our families. When they set up their system it’s going to be like a plantation again. The PM gave them the title before the New Found people actually pay off for all the land. When you give title it’s hard to get back land. Them guys would have had to negotiate hard to get that title.
Zaman Wilkin, Four Seasons Hotel – That is the best thing that could’ve happen and they got a better deal. They got back about 170 acres. There is a plan to build some sort of school and redo the beach etc. I think 10-20 years concession is better than in the first deal. It’s good for all of us. All the bars can still stay on the beach so I could go liming at Sunshine bar as I am accustomed to. Anyhow you look at it, it’s something good.
‘Glen’, Bartender – I think it’s a good thing that the government get back some land. I feel happy about that although I feel they should’ve get back all.
‘Carbo’, Men-at-Work – I don’t think by law you could get back titled land so that’s good negotiation on the government’s behalf to get back 172 acres of land plus all the historical sites.
‘Romeo’, Self-employed – The only reason why I would believe that is if they break down the hills and develop around the edges of the island. That’s the only way I see it would be a possibility that they would get back what they deserve.
