(Trinidad and Tobago) In the second world war, land was compulsorily purchased and let to the USA. In 1977 it was returned by the USA, but then vested in a public authority. The applicants said it should revert to them as descendants of the original owners. They said the purchase was for so long as the land was required for the purpose for which it was used, but the original owners had been compensated. There was no express reverter clause, and no law of reverter known to the law of Trinidad and Tobago. English highway law however was settled that if land was acquired for a highway, but ceased to be needed, it reverted to owners despite the absence of any express provision. Here, however the land had been vested in the Crown, and no reverter could therefore be implied.
Judges:
Lord Nicholls of Birkenhead Lord Mackay of Clashfern Lord Hobhouse of Woodborough Lord Millett Sir Christopher Slade
Citations:
[2002] PC 1
Links:
Statutes:
Chaguaramas Development Authority Act 1972
Jurisdiction:
England and Wales
Land, Constitutional
Updated: 29 June 2022; Ref: scu.167475
