Trafalgar/Union CDC seeks Govt’s intervention to resolve land issues
Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha and Public Service Minister Sonia Parag during the meeting
A group of farmers who reside in the Trafalgar/Union area of Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice) and are members of the Trafalgar/Union Community Development Council (CDC) are seeking the intervention of the Government to reclaim lands they allege were illegally taken from them.
This issue was highlighted on Wednesday during a meeting with Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha and Public Service Minister Sonia Parag where they met with farmers of the area to discuss issues they are facing. Prior to this meeting, the group had also met with Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo to discuss the matter.
According to CDC representative Lloyda Angus, the land, which falls under the control of the Mahaica/ Mahaicony/Abary Agriculture Development Authority (MMA-ADA), was initially leased to the Trafalgar/Union CDC. Under the previous APNU/AFC Government, the then Neighbourhood Development Council (NDC) had chosen not to recognize the established CDC, and another CDC, the Trafalgar/Tempe CDC, was formed. This new CDC permitted the NDC to erect houses on the land, although the lease which was issued by the MMA-ADA listed the Trafalgar/Union CDC as the lessee.
She also told the Minister that members of the current NDC are denying members of the Trafalgar/Union CDC access to those lands.
“I have two members here. After the Local Government Elections, when they went to the lands, the NDC saying it is their time now and are bullying the people,” Ms. Angus explained.
After listening to the issue, Mustapha described the matter as disturbing. He noted that since the issue needed legal attention, the ministry would have to engage the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, on the matter.
In addition to land issues, the minister also committed to assisting farmers with pursuing their agricultural activities. He noted that a team from the Fisheries Department would be visiting the area to determine the feasibility of developing infrastructure for aquaculture.
Mustapha also said he would visit the area to further discuss how the Government could assist with developing agriculture there.
