59 families at Hope/ Bath Settlement to receive land titles

Some 59 families who reside in Hope/ Bath settlement on the West Coast of Berbice are expected to receive land titles by May next year, according to Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Mohabir Anil Nandlall, SC.

Nandlall led a delegation which included staff from his Ministry, from the Ministry of Housing, officials from the Sugar Industry Welfare Fund (SILWIF) and officials of the Region to meet with residents of Hope/Bath Settlement, West Coast Berbice, to discuss with them the issuance of Certificates of Title for houselots which they occupy.

In his remarks, the Minister stated that approximately 59 families would benefit from the exercise. These were persons who are or were former employees of the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) who purchased these lots since 1996 but were not issued with Titles.

The Attorney General emphasized that it was a campaign promise of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) to identify these areas across the country that are affected and to ensure that they are regularized and Titles issued for the lands.

The Minister confirmed that President Ali’s Government is committed to the discharge of this promise. He identified Non Pariel, East Coast Demerara as one of the areas, the initiative was successfully completed and over fifty families have already received their Certificates of Title.

He reminded of a similar initiative launched some three weeks ago at Zeelugt, East Bank Essequibo. A different variation of the exercise is being conducted at Cotton Tree, and # 4 and 5 villages, West Cost Berbice.

The Attorney General explained that a Certificate of Title is an instrument of fundamental importance.

“It is that document which conclusively declares you to be the owner of the land to which it relates. No one, not even the State can lawfully take that land away from you without compensation.

“It is that document that enables you to borrow from the Commercial Banks; it is that instrument which permits you to transmit that land to your children and future generations.”

The Attorney General promised that the Titles will be ready by May next year. Member of Parliament Faizal Jaffarali and Regional Chairman Vickchand Ramphal were also in attendance. (Modified press release from the Ministry of Legal Affairs)