Debunking the Myth of "Community Assets" in Jolly Harbour

Understanding the Real Ownership Structure and Your Legal Rights

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Disclaimer: The information below is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific concerns or situations, please consult an attorney licensed in Antigua and Barbuda.

1. Introduction

In Jolly Harbour, a pervasive misconception is that there exist "community assets" collectively owned by all homeowners. Caribbean Developments (Antigua) Limited ("CDAL") often refers to roads, pipelines, sewers, and other infrastructure as "community property," implying that homeowners share in their ownership. However, no such definition exists in Jolly Harbour Land Transfer agreements. Instead, these documents typically stipulate that each freeholder owns their own parcel—nothing more, nothing less—and that CDAL separately owns and controls common infrastructure.

This misconception can create confusion over who should fund repairs, replacements, or insurance of roads, utilities, and other installations. Below, we explore key legal points from Antiguan and British common law, clarifying why "community assets" are actually CDAL-owned, and how owners can assert their rights and challenge unjustified charges.

2. Land Transfer Covenants: "Community" Is Not Defined

Crucially, these covenants refer to "common areas" or services, but they do not define a "community" or suggest that homeowners are co-owners of roads, water lines, or open spaces. Instead, each freeholder has title solely to their parcel. The surrounding infrastructure (roads, drainage, etc.) belongs to CDAL—a private, for-profit entity.

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