The Ministry of Agriculture yesterday paid compensation to some Brusche Dam farmers who suffered damage to their farms aback Buxton/Friendship following the recent clearing of the backlands.
Eleven farmers reportedly received full compensation. They were paid $500 per tree therefore the reparation sums differed. From the first group verified farmer Ronald Roberts received $82,000 while Lisa Phillips received $60,000.
Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud said this was the first group of farmers to receive full payment from a total of 67 claims made. He said while some claims are still being verified a number of persons were paid as farming was their livelihood. Persaud said the ministry hopes to compensate at least 50% of the farmers and, within the following two weeks he expects that all the damage would have been paid for.
The ministry’s team has now moved on to areas east and west of Brusche Dam. Farmer Victor Jones said he is grateful for the steps the ministry is taking but he hopes to resume planting soon.
Jones also said he hopes the balance of the compensation owed him will soon be forthcoming.
Another farmer said a technical person needs to verify the land space and determine the number of trees that were there as they were experiencing problems establishing that figure in order to receive full compensation. He said this is especially needed in determining the number of pigeon pea trees.
Meanwhile Persaud said in addition to the compensation government will be allocating $25 million for drainage and irrigation works in the community.
The Ministry of Agriculture yesterday paid compensation to some Brusche Dam farmers who suffered damage to their farms aback Buxton/Friendship following the recent clearing of the backlands.
Eleven farmers reportedly received full compensation. They were paid $500 per tree therefore the reparation sums differed. From the first group verified farmer Ronald Roberts received $82,000 while Lisa Phillips received $60,000.
Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud said this was the first group of farmers to receive full payment from a total of 67 claims made. He said while some claims are still being verified a number of persons were paid as farming was their livelihood. Persaud said the ministry hopes to compensate at least 50% of the farmers and, within the following two weeks he expects that all the damage would have been paid for.
The ministry’s team has now moved on to areas east and west of Brusche Dam. Farmer Victor Jones said he is grateful for the steps the ministry is taking but he hopes to resume planting soon.
Jones also said he hopes the balance of the compensation owed him will soon be forthcoming.
Another farmer said a technical person needs to verify the land space and determine the number of trees that were there as they were experiencing problems establishing that figure in order to receive full compensation. He said this is especially needed in determining the number of pigeon pea trees.
Meanwhile Persaud said in addition to the compensation government will be allocating $25 million for drainage and irrigation works in the community.
