Dear Editor,
Your paper carried several news reports as well as an editorial (Aug 30) and several letters on the long-term lease of the state-owned Red House to the Cheddi Jagan Research Inc, a private entity. Minister Joe Harmon is on record, as reported in your media, as saying the nominal $1000 a month lease for the use of the property is ludicrous, a term also used in your editorial. Not many would disagree with Harmon’s view or your editorial.
Harmon said, as reported in your paper (SN, Sep 27), the government might take legal action to nullify the arrangement made by the preceding PPP government in relation to the state-owned property. Will Harmon also seek to nullify the grant given by the PPP (under Jagdeo’s presidency) to the Forbes Burnham family of 5.5 acres of land adjoining the Botanic Gardens? That is prime real estate that will fetch millions of dollars per acre. The Jagan’s centre is worth a fraction of the value of the land granted to the family of the PNC leader. The Jagan centre should be viewed as a national treasure dedicated to the memory of a patriotic freedom fighter.
No other freedom fighter in the nation can be compared to him – incorruptible and honest and with complete dedication to the poor and working class.
Since the state, under the APNU-AFC government, is seeking repossession of property, there should be fairness and equity in acts in that direction.
Yours faithfully,
Vishnu Bisram
