Agriculture Minister: Seven (7) months minimum to receive State Leases

Agriculture Minister: Seven (7) months minimum to receive State Leases

April 27, 2021:- Persons have already received State Leases within a minimum period of seven (7) months. This according to the Minister of Minister of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries, Senator the Honourable Clarence Rambharat as he addressed recipients at three (3), separate, lease letter distribution ceremonies earlier today (April 27^th 2021) at the Ministry’ Head Office in Chaguanas.  A total of fifteen (15) persons received their letters in respect to thirteen (13) agricultural and two (2) residential leases.

In his remarks, Minister Rambharat also said that land files which previously took over twenty (20) years to be processed, were “moving along much faster” in recent times. He said the main contributing factor to this development was the ability of persons to “follow-up on their own business”. To this end, he reminded   recipients of the need to be diligent, so as to ensure that their survey plans are approved in a timely manner, because there have been instances where persons waited “up to twenty-five (25) years” before having them done. Furthermore, he added that there have been errors requiring amendments (plot numbers, acreage details and spelling of names) and covenant breaches (encroachments and improper use of land) to leases. All of these he said, significantly contributed to inordinate delays which may have otherwise been avoided through self-discipline and one’s own vigilance.

“I have done my part and will never see this file again so the duty rests upon you to keep abreast of your respective matter and now that you have a [lease] letter, signed by me, stating that Cabinet has granted your lease approval, you have the authority to follow-up and see it through till the end”, the Minister said.

The attendees were also duly reminded by the Agriculture Minister of the Ministry’s policy that agricultural land remain in agriculture. He added that the Ministry of Agriculture, Land and Fisheries was “very reluctant” to sub-divide agricultural plots since there were many individuals who were currently abusing a system which was primarily designed to put these lands into productive use.

“The Government wants to make the land available to people who will actually produce and in cases where persons are allowed to live; they will be able to do so comfortably but what we will do is not allow anyone to treat with these lands as though they are their birth right, nor will we enable anyone to become a real estate agent for the State’s property.” Minister Rambharat said.