(Trinidad Guardian) There is an estimated backlog of 20,000 people in T&T requiring action on their agricultural State land leases – and Cabinet has been put on notice to deal with 400 applications next Thursday.
Agriculture Minister Clarence Rambharat gave the estimate – and issued the notice – in Parliament on Friday. He was replying to UNC MP Fazal Karim’s questions about the expected date by which farmers on State lands can expect renewal licences.
Rambharat said, “It’s well known that across various administrations there has been a significant backlog of applications of Standard Agricultural Lease renewals; for the grant of new leases on the basis of regularisation of occupation and cultivation upon State lands and hundreds of applications for the grant of leases for cultivating State land.”
“Government has made the regularisation of State land tenure issues a priority for the Agriculture Ministry. Across the country applicants who have waited up to 60 years have been receiving their approvals from this Government. The rate of issuance of State land leases for agriculture has increased exponentially compared to previous years.”
Rambharat said each application requires varying types of work from site inspections and surveys to probate and other processes.
“In that context it is impossible to say with certainty or even estimate the expected date by which farmers on State lands can expect renewals. It is an ongoing process with applications being approved by Cabinet weekly,” he said.
UNC MP Vidya Guyadeen- Gopeesingh said she had information that 400 leases are “sitting” on desk of the Commissioner of State Lands. Rambharat said this demonstrated the volume Government has been dealing with. He said if he went to that office yesterday he would assure the files reach Cabinet next week.
“Yesterday, Cabinet approved 45 applications. I’m telling my colleagues in advance: we should expect 400 next Thursday,” he added.
