Several farmers of Region Five protested yesterday, at the Regional Executive Officer’s (REO) office, in Fort Wellington, West Coast Berbice, against the REO’s proposal to repossess land currently occupied by them.
The farmers explained to Stabroek News, that they have occupied a total of fifty acres of land for many years where they plant cash crops.
One farmer, Krishna Seelall stated that they are appealing to the government, as they wish to continue to farm on the said land, for their livelihood. He noted that President David Granger during a visit to the Region had said that it is “not the policy of the government to affect farmers’ livelihood.”
However, he said that despite this statement, the REO went ahead with his agenda and brought a team from the Ministry of Communities and a lawyer, during which they reportedly threatened to have farmers removed from the land.
“We are making a special appeal to the government to step in and make sure all the farmers continue to plant for their livelihood,” Seelall said.
Meanwhile, 22 year old Lallbeharry, who plants tomatoes, said he has two children and his wife to provide for, and if the REO is to repossess the land, not only he will suffer, but his family as well.
The farmers relayed that nine farmers had each been rewarded with one acre of land, at a different location which they deemed unfair, whilst noting that one acre of land will reduce them to a loss.
Gangadin, only name given, said he was never notified of any of the meetings, and he had only received threats of repossession. He further noted that he has two workmen who will be out of a job if the land is repossessed.
REO Ovid Morrison, at a recent press briefing, had stated that the land belongs to the Region, and as such the Region has all rights to carry out projects which they deem necessary.
However, he had noted that he had thought of the farmers, hence, in the initial stages of the situation, he had invited the farmers to a meeting to discuss alternative land ideas. He said farmers who attended the meeting were each given one acre of land to cultivate. A total of nine farmers received alternative land, according to information gathered.
The protesting farmers stated that they are willing to work along with the REO in whatever plans he has in store for the land. They are calling for a “partnership” with the Region.
