(a) Land for homesteads is declared to be a public use, and may be acquired by the Government by condemnation proceedings through the exercise of the power of eminent domain, or by purchase, cession, transfer, exchange, lease, inheritance, or donation. No lands so acquired or held by the Government for such purpose shall be sold to any one applicant.
(b) The Governor, with the approval of the Legislature, may transfer to the jurisdiction of the Executive Director of the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority, for disposal according to the provisions of this chapter, any plot or plots of land presently owned or hereafter acquired by the Government of the Virgin Islands, if such plots are not needed for any other public purpose; Provided, That the Governor may, after advertising and submission to public bid, sell any plot or plots so owned or acquired by the Government and not transferred to the jurisdiction of the Executive Director of the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority and not needed for any public purpose.