Land Conservation and Improvement Act (No. 10 of 1992)

No. ro.J 69 Land Conservation 0110' improvement Act I ASSENT STANISLAUS JAMES, Governor-General. 15th April, 1992. SAINT LUCIA Ul\l [1992. ANAcrto provide for the Conservation of land in Saint Lucia, for the establishment of a Board to be known as the Land Conservation Board, for con ferring on that Board functions as to land, and for the purposes connected therewith or incidental thereto. 18th April, 1992. BE IT ENACTED by the Queen's Most Excellent Majesty. by and·with the advice and consent of the House of Assembly and the Senate of Saint Lucia, and by the authority of the same, as follows: 1, This Act may be cited as the Land Conservation and Short Tille. Improvement Act, 1992. No. 10.] 70 Land Conservation and Improvement Act [1992. Interpretation. 2. In this Act "conservation area" means an area defined and declared to be a conservation area in respect of which measures may be taken under section 12; "crop" means the produce of cultivated plants and any pan of trees, bushes or plants which is cut or collected for any purpose; "Crown Lands" includes (a) the waste or vacant land of the Crown; (h) all lands vested and held in right of the Crown by the Government whether by forfeiture, escheat, purchase or exchange; "daylight" means the interval between five o'clock in the morning and the succeeding six o'clock in the evening; "drainage works" (a) means any work for the purpose of draining landor preventing or mitigating flooding. erosion or the effects of storm water to which land, property, transmission lines, culverts. bridges, pipelines, roads and other lines of communication are subject; and (h) includes (i) the construction, openmg, cleaning, maintaining, scouring, deepening, widening, straightening, diverting, blocking or infilling of any watercourse, public drain or outfall of water; (ii) the construction, installation, alteration, repair or removal of any pump machinery or pump house; (iii) the removal of any obstruction, natural or artificial in any watercourse; (iv) the construction, repair, raising lowering, widenmg, strenghtening, altering or removalof any embankment, dam. barrier. sluice, weir, wall, bridge. culvert or groyne or of any structure or erection for the purpose of defence against water; (v) the construction, maintenance, improvement, alteration of fencing, walls. screens and barriers around drainage work; "land" includes land covered by water; No. 10.1 71 Land Conservation and Improvement Act [1992. "livestock" includes cattle, horses. mules. asses, sheep, goats and swine: "Minister" means the Minister responsible for Agriculture and Lands; "occupier" in relation to any land includes a caretaker, any contractor or any other person authorised to undertake or engage in undertaking any works in relation to the land or any other person who has an interest in or is otherwise engaged in any activity whatsoever on the land; "officer" means any person appointed to discharge any function of an officer under this Act or any rules or regulations made thereunder; "owner" in relation to any land means a person in whom is vested the absolute interest of land; "Protection Order" includes a General Protection Order or a Specific Protection Order; "public drain" means any water course which runs through more than one parcel of land ; "storm water" means all flow of water directly due to rainfall, before such water forms a stream; "vegetation" includes (a) trees and all parts or produce of such trees, and to include palms, bamboos, stumps or brush wood; (h) plants not being trees and all parts or produce of such plants, including charcoal; and (c) trees when they have fallen, have been felled and all wood whether cut up or fashioned for any purpose or not; "watercourse" includes water which is satisfactory for human consumption and meets the requirements of the Health Authority and the supply of water for industrial or commercial purposes. 3.-(1) For the purposes of the Act there is hereby established a board to be known as the Land Conservation Board (hereinafter referred to as the Board). (2) The provisions of the First Schedule shall have effect as to the constitution, operation and expenses of the Board. 4. The functions of the Board shall be (a) to advise the Minister on matters relating to the general supervision of land and water resources; Establishment of Land Conservation Board. Functions of the Board. No. to.] 72 Land Conservation and Improvement Act (1992. Employment of Staff. Protection Order. (b) to stimulate public interest in the conservation and improvement of land and water resources; (c) to recommend to the Minister the nature of legislation deemed necessary for the proper conservation and improvement of land and water resources; (d) to co-ordinate efforts of other Conservation Bodies including Government Agencies in relation to the conservation of land and water resources; (e) to be responsible for implementing the provision of this Act or any Regulations made thereunder; if! to advise the Development Control Authority and any other agency involved in land use on matters concerning land conservation and improvement of land; (g) to offer where the Board deems it necessary and in conjunction with Government agencies, technical advice in the field of land management to landowners and/or occupiers; (h) to do all that is expedient and necessary for the purposes of this Act. 5. The Board may after consultation with the Minister employ such agents and staff. retain solicitors, accountants and other professional services on such terms and conditions and for such remuneration as it determines. 6.·-( 1) Subject to section 7 the Board may, where it deems it necessary for the conservation or improvement of land or water resources or to secure proper economic and efficient utilisation of all land, make Orders hereinafter called Protection Orders. (2) It is hereby declared that a Protection Order shall apply in respect of the properties described in the Second Schedule. (3) The Board may with the approval of the Minister renew, alter or revoke any Order made under this section. (4) A Protection Order may (a) prohibit, regulate and control the breaking up or clearing of land Ior cultivation or any other purpose; (h) prohibit, regulate and control the grazmg, dcpasturing and watering of livestock ~ No. IO.J 73 Land Conservation and Improvement Act l1992. (c) prohibit or restrict the cultivation of crops specified in the Order; (d) regulate the method of cultivation of land; (e) require the uprooting or destruction without payment of any compensation thereof of any crop which has been planted in contravention of any of the provisions of this Act; if) prohibit, regulate, control and order the carrying out of drainage works; (g) prohibit, regulate and control the lighting of fires and burning of vegetation; (h) to prohibit or control the cutting of vegetation or parts thereof; (i) prohibit, regulate and control any other matters connected with the foregoing; (5) Any person who fails to comply with the terms of a Protection Order made under this section shall be guilty of an offence against this Act. 7.-(1) For the purposes of this Act the Minister may, with the General advice of the Board, make a General Protection Order. Protection Order. (2) A General Protection Order is any Protection Order which affects more than one parcel of land. (3) A General Protection Order sp-cifying the area to which it extends shall be published in two consecutive issues of the Gazette and in a local newspaper which is circulated in the area covered by the Order. (4) Subject to section 9, a General Protection Order shall come into operation fourteen days after the second consecutive publication in the Gazette. 8.-(1) A Specific Protection Order shall specify the land to which it relates and shall be served upon the owner, occupier or both. as the Board may decide, of the land to which it relates. (2) A Specific Protection Order shall not affect more than one parcel of land. (3) Subject to section 9. a Specific Protection Order shall come into operation in relation to any person affected by it ten days after service of the Order on that person. Specific Protection Order. No. 10.] 74 Land Conservation and Improvement Act [1992. Appeals against Protection Order. Entry on land affected hy Protection ()."tipr Interim Protection Notice. 9.-(1) Any owner or occupier of any land affected by a General Protection Order may not later than fourteen days of the second publication of the Order in the Gazette, appeal in writing to the Minister stating the grounds on which an objection is made to any part of or all of the Order. (2) Any person served with a Specific Protection Order may within ten days of such service appeal in writing to the Minister stating the grounds on which an objection is made to any or all of the Order. (3) On any appeal against a Specific or General Protection Order the Minister may dismiss the appeal or may revoke or modify the Order as it affects the appellant. 10.-( I) Where the owner or occupier, as the case may be, refuses or fails to comply within such reasonable time as may be fixed by the Board with the terms of any Order issued under this section, or where the Board deems it necessary, the Executive Secretary of the Board or its agents, may enter upon the land having previously given at least twenty-four hours notice to the owner or occupier of the land and may carry out the works specified in the Order. (2) Where the Executive Secretary of the Board or its agents carries out any works under subsection (I) the reasonable costs incurred by them in so doing may be recovered from the owner or occupier, as the case may, as a debt due to the Board. (3) A certificate signed by the Executive Secretary stating the reasonable cost of the works shall be prima facie evidence of its contents. 11.-( I) The Board may, where it considers the conditions for the conservation and improvement of land or water resources on any given land to be critical, issue a Notice (hereinafter called an Intcrim Protection Notice). (2) An Interim Protection Notice shall be in writing under the hand of the Executive Secretary of the Board and shall be served on any owner or occupier of the land to which it relates. (3) An Interim Protection Notice shall have the effect of causing all work of whatever nature pertaining to that land to cease from the date of such Notice except work which has been approved by the Board in writing. io.: 75 Land Conservauon and Improvement Act [1992. 4) An Interim Protection Notice shall remain in effect for a .irnum of sixty days. 5) Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law to the trary, an Interim Protection Notice shall take precedence. » Any person who fails to comply with the provisions of section (3) shall be guilty of an offence against this Act. 2,-( I) Without prejudice to the exercise of the powers Conservation rained in the other parts of this Act, it shall be lawful for the Area. .rd from time to time as the occasion may arise to declare any is including Crown Lands to be a Conservation Area. 2) For the purposes of subsection ( I) the Board may with the roval of the Minister make such Regulations as appears to be ~ssary for (a) the protection against storms, Sto11l1 waters, winds, rain, stones, floods. land slides, drought and airborne emissions; (h) the preservation of soil and vegetation. ridges, valleys and hilly tracks ; (e) the prevention of land slides and the formation of ravines and torrents, and the protection of land against erosion or the deposition thereof of soil, sand, stones, gravel and noxious material; (d) the maintenance of tlv:' water supply in springs, rivers, canals and any other source; (e) the maintenance and carrying out of drainage works; if) the protection of transmission lines. pipelines, bridges, roads, culverts, hydraulic structures, and the protection of any other other property or lines of communication; (g) the preservation of soil fertility, scenic beauty, cultural and other unique characteristics; (h) the promotion of the most efficient and economic utilisation of land; and (i) the preservation of public and environmental health. ~) Regulations made under subsection (2) may provide for (a) the breaking up or clearing of lands for cultivation for any other purpose: (h) the pasturing, depasturing and watering of livestock; No. 10.1 76 Land Conservation and Improvement Act [1992. (c) the method of cultivation of land; (d) the firing, clearing or destruction of vegetation; (e) any other land use activities in the Conservation Area. (4) Any person who falls iu comply with any Reguiations made under this section shall be guilty of an offence against this A ~. r'\"""L. (5) If the Board considers that any area should be declared a conservation area it shall publish a notice to that effect in at least one issue of the Gazette and in at least one issue of a local newspaper which is circulated in the proposed conservation area. (6) As soon as any notice has heen published in accordance with subsection (5), the Board shall prepare, or cause to be prepared. with such person as it may think fit, a proposal for the long term management of the area and regulations for its protection. (7) During the preparation of such a proposal for a cosscrvuioa Ciica the BuiilillHUs( huM ai leas! one pu6iic meeting within or in close proximity to the proposed area. At such a meeting the Board shall outline its objectives, proposais and iikeiy consequences for the proposed conservation area and it must encourage public participation and pay due consideration to the submissions of all interested parties in the preparation of the proposals io be published in accordance with subsection (~). (8) Where the Board has complied with the provisions of subsections (5), (6) and (7), it shall make or cause to be made available for public viewing, for a period of at least thirty days. its proposal for a conservation area. (9) The Board shall issue a notice indicating the place and times when its proposal can be viewed by the public in two consecutive issues or iile Gazette and in i wo consecutive issues of a local newspaper which is circulated in the proposed conservation area. ( 10) Any owner, occupier or any interested person within a proposed conservation area may, within fourteen days after the last day of public viewing, make objections. comments or recommendations in writing to the Executive Secretary of the Board with regard to the proposed conservation area. (.1 W The Board shall consider any objections, comments or recommendations made in accordance with subsection ( 10) in the No. 1O.J 77 Land Conservation and improvement Act [1992. preparation of a final management and implementation plan for the conservation area. (12) The Board shall make or cause to be made available for public scrutiny. for a period of at least fourteen days. the final management and implementation plan for a conservation area. (13) The Board shall issue a notice indicating the place and times when the final management and implementation plan can be examined by the public in two consecutive issues of the Gazette and in two consecutive issues of a local newspaper which is circulated in the proposed conservation area. (14) Any owner, occupier or any other person who is or is likely to be affected by the implementation of the final plan for a conservation area, may appeal in writing to the Minister within thirty days after the last day of public examination referred to in subsection (12), stating the grounds on which any objection to any part of the final management and implementation plan is made. (15) The Minister shall. upon receipt of any appeal made under subsection (14) consider the objection and may if the Minister deems it necessary, appoint an independent Inspector to hold a public enquiry regarding the final management and implementation plan and any objection raised thereon. (16) An appointed Inspector under subsection (15) shall submit to the Minister a report in writing within thirty days of the conclusion of the public enquiry. Such a report shall include recommendations for amendments, rejection or complete acceptanceof the final management and implementation plan. (17) A copy of the report made under subsection (16) shall be sent directly to the Board by the Inspector. (18) The Minister shall submit to Cabinet. the final management and implementation plan together with any recommendations of an Inspector from a public enquiry, for its consideration. 13. The Board may at any time alter. revise or change the final management and implementation plans for a conservation area. Such alterations, revisions or plans shall come into operation and be subject to appeal in like manner as the original final management and implementation plan. Alteration plans for a conserv at ion area. No. 10.] 78 Land Conservation and Improvement Act [1992. Conservation Officers. Compulsory acquisition and vesting of lands. 14.--(1) The Board may, with the approval of the Minister appoint Conservation Officers who shall assist the Board in supervising the use of and encouraging conservation and improvement of land and water resources. (2) A Conservation Officer shall, subject to subsection (3), have the right at any time in daylight to enter upon any land (a) for the purpose of ascertaining whether the lands are being used in accordance with the provisions of any Order, Notice or Regulations made under this Act; (b) for the purpose of ascertaining whether works ordered under the provisions of section 6 are or have been carried out on the land. (3) A Conservation Officer or other person authorised by the Board may carry out in or upon any area covered by a Protection Order such works as may be determined by that Order. (4) Any person who hinders, obstructs, molests or assaults a Conservation Officer in the exercise of the Officer's powers under this section shall be guilty of an offence against this Act. 15.-(1) In any case in which the Government decides that any land including land with buildings thereon should be acquired to enable the purposes of this Act to be more readily carried out, the Governor-General may acquire by public treaty or compulsory acquisition under the provisions of the Land Acquisition Ordinance any lands in a conservation area and may exercise all powers under the Ordinance in relation to any acquisition or intended acquisitions of such land and in relation to such acquisition the purpose aforesaid shall be deemed to be a public purpose. (2) The Governor-General may, upon such terms and conditions as he may determine, vest any lands acquired in a conservation area in any authority or body of persons charged with executing the provisions of this Act by Order declaring that such lands shall vest in the authority or body of persons as from the date thereof. Any such Order shall be published in the Gazette and shall vest the lands absolutely in the authority or body of persons designated by the Governor-General as from the date thereof, free from all encumbrances. (3) Nothing herein contained shall prejudice the right of any person having any interest in any lands acquired as aforesaid ~o. lO.j i'J Land Conservation and improvement Act II ~Y2. vithin [he provisions of the Land Ch. 109 Acquisition Ordinance: Ch. 109. xcept that compensation for any lands acquired under this section nau be uetermmed in accordance with the provisions 01 section 9 of the Land Acquisition Ordinance save that the date at which uch compensation is to be assessed is the date from which the )eclaration pursuant to section 3 of the said Ordinance shall be JUblished. 16..-(1) /\..ny per~~cn who is the owner Dr who has QI1 interest Compensation n any land situated within an area affected by a Protection Order claims for .~,.l ...I-.~ ~ •• f:f:~ ~ ~~ •• ,.l~~~~~ ~ l~~~ ~~ ~ ~~.. l~ ~f: ~~" ~~~;~~ ~f: .1-. damage or ;11\.1 ~"'IIllV JUil"'.,l,) (.UIJ U'~UIUe\"'" \.JI l\.J,),,") ,;.t,,) {..l. llrr.,... ..")I...H\ Vi a.uy UV1....lVU VI U1..... injuries. Icard may apply to the Board for compensation in accordance .. ;.t.. "u l-, ............... : ...... ,,., \ '.'lUI 2JUU..:t\,.·~llV1J. \.L..). (2) Every person who desires to claim compensation under this ection shall give notice in writing to the Board within twelve nonths after the execution of the works out of which such claim las arisen or may hereinafter arise. (3) Every person shali set out in a claim ,~ (a) particulars specifying the claimant's name and address ; (b) the description of land, immovable property or a chattel house in respect of which the claim is made; (c) where the person is the owner of the land, immovable property or of a chattel house, the nature of any encumbrance lease or servitude pertaining [hereto and whether any vilicr person has an interest therein; (ti) the manner in which the iand, immovable property or chattel house in respect of which the claim has been made has been damaged or injuriously affected; (e) any other matter in which compensation is claimed with full particulars in respect of claim; and (j) the total amount of the claim. (4) For the purposes of subsection (2) the term "execution of .he works" means the completion of the construcuon of any oortion of work where such portion in itself (and without reference to any part of the work) causes the damage or injuries iffected. Such portion of the work shall be deemed to be completed when anything further that may be required to be done herein to complete the same will have no effect either to increase Jr lessen damage. No. 10.] 80 Land Conservation and Improvement Act r 100'1lJ. .//~. c.r. '~J Award. appeal against an Order. Funds and resources of the OUi:Uu. 17.-(1) The Board shall consider any claim far compensation from any interested person who submits a claim in accordance with section 16. (2) After due consideration of the claims the Board may dismiss, modify Of accept (he claim. (3) Where appropriate, the Board !,!.1:iJ' make au award to tilt: claimant. Such an award shall be signed by the Executive Secretary after approval hy the Board. The award way induue monetary payments, remission of land tax, exchange of land or any other award which the Board deems appropriate, 18.-(1) An appeal in respect of any award wade by all Order of the Board shall be lodged in writing with the Minister. (2) The Minister may appoint an independent arbitrator to consider and decide an appeal made under subsection (l ) where: tite Minister deems It necessary. (3) The decision of the independent arbitrator shall be final and binding upon the parties involved in the appeal. 19.-(1) The funds and resources of the Board shall consist of (a) an initial capital allocation of an amount adequate for the commencement or the Board's activities to be provided by Government; (b) such sums as way be provided by Parliament for the purpose; ::U1y lean or grant made to the Board by the Government or, with the approval of the Minister. by any person or body or mternational organisation; ~H monies paid tv the Board by way of subsidies, gifts, fees, subscriptions, rent, interest and royalties as well as an)' other sum or any property which may in any manner become payable to or vested in the Board in respect of the performance of its functions; and any SUIIIs ur propeny which may be donated to the Board. Borrowing powers. 20.-( I) The Board may, from time to time, with the approval of the Minister, borrow by way of overdraft or otherwise from any No. IO.J 81 Land Conservation and Improvement Act [1992. bank, financial institution or any other agency, such sums as may benecessary for carrying Ollt its functions under this Act. (2) Any borrowing made under subsection (I), may be made under whatever terms and conditions deemed appropriate by the Minister responsible for finance. 21.-{ I) The funds of the Board shall be applied towards (a) meeting the obligations and discharging any of the functions of the Board under this Act and any matter incidental thereto; (b) making loans or grants to owners, 0CCUPiCiS or other responsible agencies for carrying out the nrn",c;nnC" nF th~C' A",,"·1"".&.'-'''' .~.V.l.l'" VI. U ..l.1.., L"""",'-"L, (c) the creation of a reserve fund of such amount as the Application of funds of the Board. 22.-{ 1) i~..ll decisions, orders, rules and regulations relating to Accounting of the financial operations of the Board and authorised by this Act the Board. shall be made by resolution of the Board at a meeting thereof ami shall be recorded in the minutes of the Board. (2) The Board shall keep a proper record of its accounts showing, under appropriate heads (a) the outstanding accounts of any loans received by the Board for the acquisition of or the construction of any premises, facilities or works by the Board; (b) all monies received by the Board including appropriations by Parliament, donations and gifts received by the Board without being designated for any capital acquisitions or construction; (c) the outstanding accounts of any loans and grants made by the Board; and (d) all monies expended by the Board, in carrying out its activities. (3) Tne accounts of the Board shall be audited by the auditors 10 be appointed annually by the Board with the approval of the Minister. (4) The Board shall, hefore the commencement of each financial year, submit to the Minister a copy of its income and expenditure budget in relation to such year. No. 10.] 82 Land Conservation and Improvement Act [1992. Cash deposits and P"dY.-ftCliLS4 Power to make rules, Power to vary Schedule by Order. Offences. (5) After the end of each financial year, the Board shall, as soon as the accounts of the Board have been audited, cause a copy of the statement of accounts and summary of activities performed to be transmitted to the Minister together with a copy of any report made by the auditors on that statement or the accounts of the Board. The Minister shall cause a copy of every statement and report to be laid before Parliament. 23.-(1) All monies received by the Board shall be paid into a bank account or accounts determined by resolution of the Board which is approved by the Minister. (2) All payments out of the Funds of the Board except petty disbursement not exceeding a sum to be fixed by rules made under section 24 shall be signed by the Executive Secretary and countersigned by the Chairman or any other officer appointed by the Board to act on their behalf. 24. The Board shall by resolution make rules in respect of all matters necessary for the proper keeping and control of the accounts and books and the control of the finances of the Board. 25. The Minister may, on the advice of the Board, by Order published in the Gazette, vary or amend any provision of the Schedule. 26.-( I) Any person who contravenes any section of this Act, or fails to comply with any Rule, Regulation, Order or Notice made under this Act, is guilty of an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding five hundred dollars or six months imprisonment on the first offence. (2) Any person summarily convicted for a second or subsequent offence against this Act is liable to a fine of not less than five hundred dollars and not exceeding three thousand five hundred dollars or to imprisonment for a period of not less than six months and not exceeding one year or both; provided that where any conviction is made under section 14(4) of the Act and such hindering, obstruction, molestation or assault is by use of weapons such as knives, cutlasses, firearms or other instruments the penalty shall be imprisonment with hard labour for a period not less than one year. 0.] 83 Land Conservation and Improvement Act [1992. ) In addition to any legal penalties imposed under this Act or (egulations made thereunder, the Court may order any person mvicted to pay such compensation to cover the cost of the tatement of the said area, as the Court may determine. ) Any monies received under subsection (3) shall be paid ct sundry account to be operated by the Board, The Minister may make Regulations (a) for avoiding fragmentation or uneconomic partition of land within a Conservation Area or within the area described in a Protection Order and such Regulations may include (i) payment of compensation where in respect of such land there are several heirs and owners; (ii) the orderly transfer of such land whether by way of succession or otherwise. (b) for the better administration of the provisions of this Act. ed in the House of Assembly this 3rd day of April, 1992. W. ST. CLAIR-DANIEL, Speaker ed in the Senate this 7th day of April. 1992. E. HENRY GIRAUDY. President Regulations. No.1O.J 84 Land Conservation and Improvement Act FIRST SCHEDULE [1992. (section 3(2») Composition of the Board. 'Wcancy. Tenure of office. 1. The Board shall consist of (a) the Pennanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture (Chairperson); (b) the Director of Agricultural Services of the Ministry of Agriculture; (c) the Chief Engineer of the Water and Sewerage Authority; (d) the Chief Technical Officer, Physical Planning; (e) the Chief Engineer, Ministry of Communications, Works and Transport; (f) the Chief Forest and Land Officer of the Ministry of Agriculture; (g) the Senior Agricultural Engineer of the Agricultural Engineering Services Division who will be the Executive Secretary of the Board with voting rights; (h) four other members not being government officials shall be appointed by the Minister. They shall have an active interest in land conservation and at least two of them shall be from the out districts. 2.-(a) The Minister may, with the advice of the Board, appoint a suitable person to act in the place of any member of the Board in the case of the absence, or inability of such member to act. (b) A member who is appointed by the Minister with the advice of the Board to fill a vacancy created by the death, resignation or removal from office for cause of such a member mentioned shall hold office for the unexpired portion of the term of such member. 3.-(a) A member of the Board mentioned in paragraph (1), shall hold office for three years unless that member resigns or is removed from office by the Minister for cause before the end of the first term. (b) Any person appointed under paragraph (1) is eligible for reappointment for a further term. No. 10.] ~5 Land Conservation and Improvement Act [1992. 4; A member of the Board mentioned ill paragraph ( ! ) of the Resignation. Schedule may resign his office by instrument in writing addressed tothe Minister transmitted through the Chairperson and from the date of the receipt of such instrument by the Minister such member shall cease to be a member of the Board 5, Six members of the Board shall constitute a quorum at any Quorum. meeting of the Board. 6. The decision of the Board shall be by a majority of votes. In any case in which the voting is equal, the Chairperson presiding at the meeting shall have a single casting vote only. 7. The Board shall meet at such times as may be necessary or expedient for the transaction of business and such meetings shall be held at such places and times and on such days as the Board determines. 8. The Board may incur at such times as may be necessary or expedientfor the transaction of its business expenses pertaining to the payment of honorarium, travel, or other expenses approved by the Chairperson and these may be charged to the Board's account. 9. The Board may appoint a committee for any of the purposes of the Board which in its opinion would be better regulated or managed by a committee and may delegate any of its powers to a committee as it thinks fit. 10. The Chairperson shall preside at meetings of the Board and where the Chairperson is absent from any meeting the members present may elect one of their members to aet as Chairperson for that meeting. Voting. Meetings. Expenses. Appointment of committee. Chairperson. 11. The Executive Secretary shall be responsible for carrying Executive out the policy and supervising the activities undertaken by the Secretary. Board. 12. All documents made by and all decisions of the Board may be signified under the hand of the Chairperson, or the Executive Secretary or any member of the Board authorised by the Chairperson to act on their behalf. Execution of documents. Nu. iG.] Land Conservation and Improvement Act SECOND SCHEDULE Lands known as [1992. (section 6 (2) ) (1) Model Farms Lands. (1) Mabouya Valley Development Project Lands. SAINT LUCIA PRINTED BY THE GOVERNMENT PRINTER AT THE (lOVFRNMFNT PRINTINr. ("\!=f'Trc CASTRIES. 1992. I Price S10.00