Penn Criticizes Real Estate Market Pricing
Community activist Kishma Penn has called on the government to intervene in the local property sector, arguing that high land prices are making ownership unattainable for BVIslanders. Penn proposed policy measures such as reserving portions of large subdivisions for locals at reduced rates, while urging residents to actively advocate for their economic interests.
Outspoken community activist Kishma Penn has raised serious concerns regarding the affordability of land and housing in the British Virgin Islands, arguing that expatriates managing real estate companies are driving prices beyond the reach of ordinary locals. Speaking during a recent Facebook Live broadcast, Penn placed the ultimate responsibility on the government, questioning what official measures are being implemented to protect BVIslanders from escalating property costs.
With national discussions intensifying ahead of upcoming elections, housing affordability and land accessibility have resurfaced as prominent community issues. To address the issue, Penn proposed that the government introduce targeted legislation for land development projects. Under her proposal, any subdivision encompassing five acres or more would be required by law to reserve between 20 and 25 percent of its lots specifically for BVIslanders at below-market prices, ensuring that prime property remains accessible to native residents.
Penn also addressed prevailing social attitudes regarding expatriates in the Territory. She argued that local frustration and xenophobia are frequently misdirected at Black expatriate workers in construction and corporate roles who save money to purchase land, while the broader impact of foreign real estate pricing strategies goes largely unchallenged.
In her broadcast, the former public servant urged BVIslanders to move past passive complaints and participate in civic action. She called on residents to mobilize through public demonstrations and petitions to demand clear economic advantages and protections regarding land access and ownership in their homeland.
Primary source: BVI News