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On 24 December 1992, the Department of the Interior wrote letters to the Master Lease Holder and each sub-sub leaseholder offering to sell them title to their respective land on Water Island for $46,000 per acre. Many sub-sub leaseholders sent in a deposit to reserve the right to purchase their land.
Here is a List of Early Sub-Lease Holders
This was the start of several years of emotional discussions between the Department of Interior and Water Islanders to determine the fair amount to be charged by the Department for sub-sub leaseholders to acquire the land.
The Water Island Civic Association really came into its' own during these difficult times. Many felt that the appraised value of the land was too high and various legal steps were taken by individuals. Many houses were not rebuilt after suffering damage from Hurricane Hugo due to the controversy over land values. Sub-sub leaseholders felt that some consideration should be given to the fact that Water Island would not be what it was if not for their early efforts to develop the island.
By May 1993, the sale of Water Island land to sub-sub leaseholders was put on hold. The VI Government wanted only those who had built homes or business on the land to be able to purchase title. The VI felt that all other land would go to the VI Government. Some sub-sub leaseholders built cisterns or other small structures to retain the right to purchase their sub-sub leased land.
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