The Federal Ministry of Sustainable Development says it is moving ahead with plans to establish a Community Beautification and Safety (CBS) Authority to address abandoned and overgrown properties across St. Kitts.

Minister Dr. Joyelle Clarke said the authority will bring together several government agencies, including the ministries responsible for sustainable development, environment, health, legal affairs, Inland Revenue, parks and beaches, to coordinate action on neglected properties.

Under the Community Beautification and Safety legislation passed in 2024, the authority will identify hazardous or overgrown lots, clean them when necessary, and recover the costs from property owners by placing the expenses against their property tax. If owners fail to settle the charges or claim the property, the matter can proceed through the legal abatement process, allowing the government to recover its costs.

Clarke said the ministry has already begun testing the approach by responding to complaints about similar properties that may be posing problems to other neighbours to better understand the cost and logistics of the programme. She noted that many abandoned properties are tied up in unresolved estates, making legal intervention necessary:

Hon. Dr. Joyelle Clarke.