Member of Parliament for St. Peter and Minister of Labour, Colin Jordan, has called for urgent resolution of the long-standing land tenure issue affecting residents of Six Men’s. Speaking during a parliamentary debate, Jordan highlighted concerns from his constituents who have been waiting for title deeds to their properties for generations.
“They have indicated to me very clearly that I must not speak in a debate on housing without saying very loudly and clearly that the matter of land tenure in Six Men’s must be resolved,” Jordan stated.
He acknowledged the ongoing efforts of Senior Minister and Acting Prime Minister, as well as the Minister of Housing, in addressing the issue but urged for more concrete action.
“The people who have lived there for generations must have title to the land that they and their ancestors have inhabited for decades,” he added.
Beyond land tenure, Jordan also emphasized the need for the newly formed Urban and Rural Development Commission to respect the nation’s heritage as it moves forward with community development initiatives.
“The Urban and Rural Development Commission, as it comes into existence, must respect the heritage and the history of this country,” Jordan urged. He pointed to past instances where historic structures were demolished to make way for modern infrastructure, such as the Charles Duncan O’Neill Highway in Allendale.
“You push down all the huts, those structures that were used by our recently massacred ancestors, but then you make the road to take into account a tree that is old. Yet, you let down the buildings where my ancestors used to live,” he lamented.
Jordan’s remarks underscore the broader conversation about land ownership, historical preservation, and equitable development in Barbados. As the debate continues, residents of Six Men’s and heritage advocates will be watching closely to see how the government moves forward in addressing these pressing concern