Yesterday, the Assessment Board appointed under the Land Acquisition Act, Chapter 233 was officially sworn in to oversee the valuation and compensation process regarding the Government’s compulsory acquisition of the Cancer Centre Eastern Caribbean.

The swearing-in ceremony was presided over by His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams, the Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda at Government House.

The Board is chaired by Her Ladyship Hon Justice Nicola P. Byer, with Mr. Vernon Bird, former Chief Surveyor for the Government, serving as the Government-appointed member.

Mr. James Bristol KC, a distinguished attorney-at-law from Grenada, was sworn in virtually as the nominee representing the property’s majority owner.

The Board has been constituted in accordance with Section 12 of the Land Acquisition Act, which mandates the appointment of a three-member panel to determine fair compensation when there is a dispute regarding the valuation of land acquired for public use.

This follows the Government’s compulsory acquisition of the Cancer Centre, a move aimed at facilitating its reopening to address urgent national and regional healthcare needs.

In his remarks, His Excellency the Governor General underscored the critical role of the Board in ensuring that the assessment process is transparent, fair, and guided by legal and valuation principles.

He noted that the resolution of this matter will not only impact the future of healthcare in Antigua and Barbuda but will also reinforce the integrity of the land acquisition process.

The Government has invoked Section 3 of the Act, citing the Cancer Centre’s reopening as a matter of public interest, given the increasing demand for cancer treatment services across the Eastern Caribbean.

The Board will now proceed with its independent review to determine appropriate compensation in keeping with the rules outlined in Section 19 of the Act.

The Assessment Board is expected to begin its deliberations as soon as possible, with all parties committed to an expedient and just resolution.