Push to reform land transactions

Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley says Government stands ready to make sweeping reforms aimed at modernising Barbados’ complex and antiquated land transaction process, which she described as a critical step for national advancement.

Speaking to a gathering of stakeholders during a session on transforming the land transaction process, hosted by the Ministry of Housing at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, Mottley said outdated land laws and bureaucratic processes were hindering economic empowerment and limiting opportunities for citizens to own property efficiently and affordably.

“Land transactions here are burdened by delays and complexities that simply don’t reflect the needs of a 21st-century society,” Mottley said.

With a focus on shifting to a streamlined digital framework, she emphasised the urgency of transitioning “from an analogue environment into a digital environment” to keep Barbados competitive on the global stage.

She pointed out that, when compared to other Caribbean nations with quicker land dealings, Barbados must improve its system to attract investment and provide more Barbadians with access to land ownership.

Citing past government initiatives, such as former Prime Minister Tom Adams’ Tenantries Freehold Purchase Act, which gave Barbadians affordable land access and the ability to use it as collateral, Mottley said her administration would continue this legacy by prioritising affordability, accessibility and efficiency. Her proposed reforms aim to simplify legal terminology, reduce bureaucratic red tape and develop a more efficient property transaction process that empowers citizens and businesses.

Documentation

Mottley noted the burden placed on citizens by the existing land system, which she described as “19th-century in design.” In particular, she pointed to how overly complex documentation and lengthy wait times prevented buyers from accessing land efficiently.

“If a person makes an offer on land in February and can’t even get the sale agreement signed by October because they’re waiting on certificates and compliance documents, that’s simply unacceptable,” she said. Mottley stressed that while other Caribbean islands could complete similar transactions in a fraction of the time, Barbados’ land system had lagged, adding urgency to the reform effort.

The Prime Minister said Government had been working closely with the Lands and Surveys Department to lay the groundwork

for a digital transformation of land data management.

“If we are to be equal to the times and the generation in which we live, we must move beyond a system designed in the 19th century and give Barbadians a 21st-century reality,” Mottley said, noting that a digital platform would streamline the management of property records and transactions, allowing faster and more transparent service for all stakeholders involved.

Reflecting on the need for a modern land ownership system, Mottley highlighted the social impact of accessible land ownership.

“Changing how our citizens access land means more than just economic opportunity—it’s about building a society where people feel invested in the future, with something to protect and build upon,” she said. To further this vision, she said they were aiming to remove bureaucratic barriers, allowing ordinary Barbadians to achieve secure, affordable property ownership within a reasonable timeframe.

Mottley also acknowledged the potential resistance her plans might face, particularly from within the legal profession, which she noted might be impacted by the simplification of property transactions. “The profession to which I belong may not like me at the end of this process, but it’s not about popularity; it’s about progress.”

The Prime Minister linked the economic resilience of the nation to its ability to generate growth through efficiency and innovation. She pointed to recent gains, including record-high reserves and low unemployment, which have positioned Barbados to make significant investments in public services.

Looking ahead, the Prime Minister emphasised the urgency of implementing these changes in a timely manner, particularly as Barbados faces global challenges, from fluctuating oil prices to the impact of climate change.

(CLM)

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