DOUGLAS

BASSETERRE (CMC):

The St. Kitts and Nevis government is preparing to sell off some 1,200 acres of prime agricultural lands to help settle the national debt.

The opposition People's Action Movement (PAM) has, however, railed against the idea, suggesting it would deprive citizens of their "patrimony".

With the recent closure of the sugar industry, government has been left holding a US$150 million debt. Prime Minister Dr. Denzil Douglas said the government currently owns some 9,000 acres of land and it intends to sell some to meet its obligations.

"Although, of course, we are concerned, we are not unnecessarily worried about the debt situation in the sense that we are able to service our debt. We are certain that the debt will be repaid," Douglas told the Caribbean Media Corporation this week.

"There is a reliable national strategy that has been deployed with the assistance of both regional and international financial institutions and St. Kitts and Nevis is not overly worried about our debt because we are servicing it."

Overall, government's debt stands at US$800 million.

But the opposition is against the sale of Crown lands and insists the Prime Minister needs to offer up a full explanation.

"Why are they now reacting? We don't believe that selling out the patrimony of the people is the way to go. There are other means by which they can finance the debt. This is the Prime Minister who said the debt is no problem," said PAM Chairman Chesley Hamilton.

He said there has been no debate on the issue and warned against a "barnyard" sale.