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2 clusters · 4 sources · 6 days · First seen 26 days ago · Last updated 20 days ago

Chatham Bay land sale controversy

Overview

The government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines sold approximately 100 acres of beachfront land at Chatham Bay, Union Island, to a private entity identified as AHRA LLC for EC$52.7 million. Prime Minister Godwin Friday defended the transaction, stating it was intended for conservation with binding covenants to protect biodiversity, while also noting the sale helped reduce the national mid-year budget deficit by half.

The sale has faced scrutiny from political opposition regarding land valuation and transparency. While the government argues the price reflects the land’s restricted development potential due to conservation requirements, critics have called for the publication of independent valuation reports.

Further controversy arose following an amendment to the Companies Act on the day the sale was announced. This legislative change reduced disclosure requirements for external companies involved in land ownership, which has prevented the political opposition from identifying the ultimate beneficial owners, managers, or directors of AHRA LLC.

Entities

Union Island · AHRA LLC · Godwin Friday · Ralph Gonsalves · St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Timeline

20 days ago

[POLITICS] 2 sources
St. Vincent and the Grenadines sells Chatham Bay beachfront to private firm
The government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines sold 100 acres of Chatham Bay to AHRA LLC, a move accompanied by legislative changes that reduced transparency regarding the company's owners.
26 days ago

[POLITICS] 3 sources
Chatham Bay land sale to AHRA LLC faces scrutiny
Prime Minister Godwin Friday defended the EC$52.7 million sale of 100 acres at Chatham Bay to AHRA LLC, citing conservation protections and a two-year government repurchase option.

Sources

moderndiplomacy.eu · nbcsvg.com · stvincenttimes.com · vincypowanews.com