Farmers claimed dead by US-sanctioned Azruddin Mohamed come forward

…expose his “dead beneficiaries” of land-clearing claims as false

A Councillor from the East Bank of Berbice (EBB) attached to the Region Six Regional Democratic Council (RDC), Reynard Ward, has publicly refuted claims made by Opposition Leader, United States (US)-sanctioned and indicted Azruddin Mohamed regarding the Agriculture Ministry’s land-clearing programme, describing the allegations as false and misleading.
The initiative was introduced to assist farmers with clearing up to five acres of land, enabling them to expand cultivation, increase production and make productive use of their agricultural holdings. In a video circulated on social media, Opposition operatives including Mohamed, alleged that lands were being cleared for deceased persons. However, individuals whose names were mentioned have since appeared in videos confirming that they are alive, actively farming and legitimate beneficiaries of the programme.

Their testimonies have exposed what Ward described as inaccuracies in the Opposition’s claims and highlighted the disconnect between the allegations being made and the realities on the ground. The farmers have also expressed gratitude for the support received through the programme. Their responses serve as a direct rebuttal to the claims being circulated and reinforce the Government’s commitment to implementing programmes that deliver tangible benefits to farmers and rural communities across Guyana.
According to Ward, the initiative originated several years ago when farmers raised concerns about the need for land-clearing assistance during a meeting with President Dr Irfaan Ali. In response, the President committed to assisting farmers, and a committee was subsequently established to coordinate the programme.
Ward said he served on the committee and was assigned responsibility for an area spanning Zorg-en-Vlygt. His role involved collecting information from residents and farmers, including their names and details regarding the lands on which they lived and farmed. The information was then compiled and submitted to the relevant authorities.

Ward explained that during a subsequent visit to the community, the President announced that the Government would clear up to five acres of land for qualifying beneficiaries. Through the committee process, specific lands were identified for clearing, with provisions also made for drainage works to support agricultural activities.
“We added drainage to the programme because cleared land alone would not be sufficient for farming purposes,” Ward explained. Ward maintained that the programme was designed to assist families and farmers occupying and utilising lands, many of whom continue to reside on properties that remain registered in the names of deceased relatives or family members living overseas. He said the initiative was based on information gathered directly from residents and was intended to provide meaningful support to communities engaged in agriculture and other productive activities.
“Let me bring this to your attention. The Government cleared land for me a few years ago, and I do not own any land on the East Bank of Berbice (EBB). Yes, I am a farmer, but I do not own any land; the Government came to assist, and we accepted the assistance. The land was cleared. Now, the point being raised by the Opposition Leader is that lands are being cleared for dead people. I will say this: lands are being cleared for living people, but the names of deceased persons may still be on the transport or lease,” he clarified. “So, if they want to say the Government is clearing lands for dead people, I would not agree with that. The Government is clearing lands for living people, but in some cases the lands were owned by persons who have since died,” Ward said.

Welcomed land-clearing initiative
Meanwhile, residents welcomed the Government’s land-clearing initiative, noting that many beneficiaries occupy family-owned properties despite not holding legal ownership themselves. Ward conducted interviews within the community, where one resident confirmed that while the Government had cleared the land on which he resides, he does not personally own any land. Another resident explained that although the property she occupies belongs to her father-in-law, who currently resides in the US, her family lives on and maintains the land.
“The Government cleared my land, but the land is not actually mine. It belongs to my father-in-law, who is in the United States, but we live there,” she explained. She argued that many families in the area are in similar circumstances, with properties belonging to relatives who have migrated or passed away while family members continue to reside on and care for the land. According to the resident, restricting land-clearing assistance only to registered landowners would leave many households without support. She expressed gratitude for the intervention, stating that residents appreciate the Government’s assistance during difficult times.
“We are all benefiting, and many of us are struggling. If the Government is coming in to help us, we welcome it,” she said. Residents said the initiative has provided much-needed relief and underscored the importance of understanding the realities faced by families living on inherited or family-owned lands throughout the community.
Ward further stated that residents would welcome additional assistance if more lands were to be cleared. “And if more lands have to be cleared, we welcome it. If more development comes, even where the names on the transport belong to deceased persons, we welcome that too. You, as Opposition Leader, need to sort out whatever personal issues you may have with the Minister. Do not drag the people of the East Bank into your dispute. You are using poor people to advance your agenda,” Ward said.