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148 Non-Belongers Land Holding Licences issued in 2 yrs
This is according to Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Honourable Natalio D Wheatley (R7), as he responded to questions posed by Hon Lorna G. Smith OBE (AL) — on behalf of His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition Leader Honourable Ronnie W. Skelton (AL), in his absence — regarding the number of licences granted, their distribution across the islands, and the corresponding stamp duty collected.
In providing a breakdown—to the House of Assembly on February 13, 2025—Premier Wheatley disclosed that, “...for the year 2023, a total of 67 Non-Belonger Landholding Licences were issued and for 2024, a total of 81 Non-Belonger Landholding Licences were issued."
This, he observed, reflects an increase of 14 licences in 2024 compared to 2023.
The licences, according to the Premier, were issued for various islands, with the distribution as follows:
● Beef Island – 1
● Scrub Island – 1
● Anegada – 3
● Mosquito Island – 3
● Jost van Dyke – 4
● Great Camanoe – 5
● Virgin Gorda – 45
● Tortola – 85
"A total of 147" were issued, Premier Wheatley said, although the correct sum of the numbers provided is 147 instead of 148.
Stamp Duty revenue surpasses $12M
Meanwhile, Premier Wheatley used the occasion to reiterate that Non-Belongers acquiring land must pay stamp duty upon purchase and reminded that amended licences do not attract stamp duty, as the property is already vested to the individual or company.
As such, for the two years under review, the Government collected:
● 2023: $5,990,590
● 2024: $6,734,810
He did note; however, "...some of the information for stamp duty for the individual islands was not furnished to me; The Inland Revenue Department is still working on getting that information, and I can provide it when that becomes available.”
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29 Responses to “148 Non-Belongers Land Holding Licences issued in 2 yrs”
What is your buddy DJ paying vs. Other expats?
Also - how long does all this nonsense take? I have been hearing that NBLH is taking a year and a half now. That is nutty and chasing away buyers.
It doesn't need to take months to decide whether Joe Soap Non Belonger can buy a half acre.
The process is like something from 1950.
It's like they want to intentionally slow down the economy. Maybe they do. Keep the territory poor while other places go forward...
2. How many people here treat people from down islands as if they were slaves?
No one is holding a gun to someones head and making them sell their land. It is my free choice if I decide to sell my land or not.
Quoting 148 licenses issued is some impressive spin to mislead the public. If a couple buy a property, perhaps they are counting that as 2 licenses?
THAT, Premier, is what's most important!