Today, I am calling on the Prime Minister to address concerns about land grabbing in Brechin Castle in Couva.
Today, residents of Brechin Castle staged a fiery protest in the early hours of this morning to demand answers regarding the seemingly sudden occupancy of a parcel of land situated along the Rivulet Road in the vicinity of Bougainvillea Restaurant.
This land is not private land. It was vested in Caroni (1975) Limited and is what is commonly called “Caroni land”. This land was occupied by residents, then housed barracks and since served as a community public space.
Recently, residents intervened to ascertain the reasons why a construction crew was present on this community land. It was noted that the crew tried to seize the land, which houses a football field, a hydroponics programme and a community space.
Upon request, a member of the crew briefly showed protesters a document which they purport gives them the right to seize the land and construct. The authenticity of this document could not be verified in the brief moment it was shown to the residents. The document shown implies that Stackhouse Enterprises Limited was granted permission to occupy the land, which apparently includes the road reserve.
In recent times, the Couva community has had to deal with instances of land grabbing, which have been linked to senior Government officials, including a sitting Cabinet Minister.
It is to the credit of residents of the Brechin Castle area that this issue has been highlighted similar to the other instances of land grabbing.
I am calling on the Prime Minister and the Commissioner of State Lands to investigate this issue and tell the people of Couva whether that Caroni Land has been allocated for use by any private entity.
The lands which belong to the people of Couva must not be inadvertently grabbed by any private entity.
Respectfully Submitted
RUDRANATH INDARSINGH
Member of Parliament for Couva South and SHADOW RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE MINISTRY OF LABOUR and TOBAGO AFFAIRS.
