The backland clearing activity, which is part of the Joint Services’ Operation Restore Order, may only span from Enmore to Beterverwagting, Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud said on Wednesday.
Answering questions put forward on February 29, by Alliance For Change Member of Parliament Sheila Holder in the National Assembly, Persaud said that the Joint Services required a clear line of sight of some 1,000 metres from the residential area going south. Holder had asked how many miles were proposed to be cleared in the exercise given that the East Coast Demerara backlands, up to the Mahaica River, was some seven miles deep.
Persaud said the duration of this aspect of the operation would depend on several factors including the weather and the availability of land-clearing equipment.
On the same issue, Holder had also asked how soon the antelope grass behind the Lusignan Pasture would be cleared, noting that this had been requested by residents of the area following the January 26 slaughter of 11 men, women and children. Persaud’s response was that discussions had begun with the cattle farmers group that manages the pasture. He also said that a decision had been taken to set up a police outpost on a section of the pasture.
Holder also wanted to know through what process had contracts been awarded for the clearing of the backlands, but Persaud said the operation was being conducted strictly by members of the Joint Services.
