As a proud resident of Choiseul, I’m compelled to raise an urgent alarm over the impending sale of Bisee lands in La Fargue. For decades, the fertile lands of Choiseul have been prey to unscrupulous dealings, with politicians at the heart of these murky transactions. Today, the story is no different. The proposed sale of this land to a non-Choiseulian threatens the very fabric of our community, and we will not stay silent.
Let’s make no
mistake about it—this deal reeks of political nepotism. It’s now circulating
that the Bisee land, opposite Mathias Bar, is being sold to none other than Ian
Baptiste, the brother of Foreign Affairs Minister Alva Baptiste. We all know
Ian—he ran the infamous TIPSY Bar in La Fargue until it was destroyed by fire
last year. Now, in a conveniently orchestrated move, he’s about to secure prime
land right here in our village, despite over five Choiseulians reportedly being
denied the opportunity to purchase or lease it. What’s the justification for Ian’s
special treatment? Is it because his brother sits in the Cabinet?
This land has
history—history that belongs to Choiseul. For years, it was home to
agricultural officers like Miller and St. Hill, who served our community with
dedication. When they left, the land stood idle, its potential ignored by those
who should have cared for it. Why, now, has the government suddenly decided
it’s fit for a sale—and to a non-resident, no less? Why not offer this land to
a Choiseulian?
Adding insult to
injury, the plans for this land include establishing another bar or nightclub,
right in the vicinity of Choiseul Secondary School, just 30 yards away. Are we
really going to stand by while yet another alcohol establishment threatens the
well-being of our youth? Have our leaders forgotten the efforts of the
principal at Rivière Dorée School, who fought successfully to stop the
construction of a bar near his school?
But this issue goes
beyond just a bar. It’s about the future of Choiseul. La Fargue is the heart of
Choiseul’s development. Why isn't the land being used for something
meaningful—like a proper facility to house the Choiseul Library, Post Office,
and Village Council, all of which are currently crammed into a dangerous,
dilapidated building? This land could be the perfect site for such a
much-needed development, one that benefits every resident of Choiseul, not just
a privileged few.
The sale of the
Bisee land represents more than just a shady deal—it’s a betrayal of the
Choiseulian people. We must stand up, speak out, and demand that this
government rethink its plans. The land must be preserved for the betterment of
Choiseul, not sold off to outsiders for profit. This is our home, and we will
not be ignored.
Choiseul belongs
to its people—let’s keep it that way
7 comments:
Yes,the time has come to make a stand,for that type of capitalism
Is this crown land? If it is, and there is more than one interested buyer, why isn't the land put up for tender
Every StLucian has the right to purchase lands wherever he or she chooses, so why bring in a political motive because it is the brother of a politician. Does he not have the same rights as you do as a St Lucian. Where is the proof that individuals from Choiseul have been refused access to purchase those lands.
So if I were to buy a piece of land in Choiseul and I am from Castries, would you be against this sale as well.When a foreigner buys land in St Lucia you do not like this and now you do not like land being sold to StLucians. What's so special about Choiseul that it's residence must be the ones to approve who purchase lands there. St Lucia is for all St Lucians no matter their affiliations or friendships.
Unbelievable this this area has always been airmark for educational expansion Secondary school Sub Office
The Bisee is a perfect site for a police station that Choiseul is so badly in need of.Authorities please rethink and do the right thing leave the Bisee as a landmark and use it for the benefit of all Choiseulians.
Oh Dan I love that piece. Brilliant. Why not put it on Stlucia news online as well. Well said. Everything goes to the boys, their family and friends. That needs to stop
Reply: The Heart of the Issue is Community, Not Exclusivity
While I appreciate your perspective that all Saint Lucians have a right to purchase land anywhere on the island, this debate goes far deeper than a simple transaction of land. The issue here is not just about Ian Baptiste’s rights as a citizen of Saint Lucia, nor is it about excluding people from other parts of the island from buying land in Choiseul. It’s about the community of Choiseul being consistently overlooked and denied the opportunity to benefit from the resources of their own village.
For decades, locals in Choiseul have faced obstacles when it comes to acquiring land, particularly government-owned land. Numerous Choiseulians have reportedly applied to lease or purchase the Bisee land in question, only to be met with silence or rejection. You ask for proof, but this is not a matter of written documents or official rejections—it’s a pattern of systemic neglect that Choiseulians have experienced for years. When the land suddenly becomes available for purchase by someone with a direct connection to a prominent politician, the community has every right to raise questions about fairness and transparency.
The political motive isn't being "invented" because it’s Alva Baptiste’s brother—it's being highlighted because political connections often lead to privileged access. It’s about whether this sale was genuinely open to all or whether there was a backdoor deal being orchestrated behind closed doors. Is Ian Baptiste entitled to buy land? Absolutely. But should Choiseulians have been given priority, especially when they have been waiting for years? That’s the real question.
Furthermore, it’s not about opposing land sales to anyone outside of Choiseul, be they from Castries or elsewhere. The frustration arises when locals, who have a deep and vested interest in their community’s development, are systematically left out of these opportunities.
Lastly, this isn’t about xenophobia or an aversion to land being sold to outsiders, whether they’re from other parts of Saint Lucia or overseas. It’s about ensuring that the development of Choiseul benefits Choiseulians first, especially in cases where local infrastructure is in dire need of improvement. When prime land like the Bisee plot could serve a greater communal purpose—such as modern facilities for essential services—it’s disheartening to see it potentially used for yet another bar, especially so close to a school.
Choiseul is not "special" in wanting to preserve its resources for its people. Every community across the island would, and should, feel similarly if they faced the same situation. It’s about protecting the interests of the people who live, work, and invest their lives here, and ensuring that our leaders govern with transparency and fairness.
Choiseul needs a fire station and lots more. When we talk sometimes...we got to be careful. Because foreigners are buying land in Choiseul and you're not saying nothing..but since a Lucian is buying land you are calling it betrayal. You now have ideas now ..where was it before.
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