Two hundred and fifteen (215) Vincentians have reportedly been interviewed amid allegations of discrimination and breach of contract by the State over government land agreements issued under the former Unity Labour Party (ULP) administration.
Across the country, citizens who obtained contracts for small parcels of land under the previous ULP government say they have been told since the New Democratic Party (NDP) came to office that no further payments on those lands will be accepted.
The issue reportedly spans communities nationwide, with concentrations in North Windward, South Central Windward, North Central Windward, North Leeward, Central Leeward and the Northern and Southern Grenadines.
While some speculate that the matter may simply reflect delays by the government in addressing the contracts, contract holders are reportedly becoming increasingly impatient and are now preparing to take legal action against the State for alleged breach of contract.
One villager from the indigenous community of Sandy Bay said the actions of the NDP administration serve as âa clear reminder that recolonisation is alive and well.â
The villager further noted that the administrations of Milton Cato, James Mitchell, Ebenezer Joshua and Ralph Gonsalves all engaged in varying levels of land distribution programmes. However, there appears to be no evidence that leases and land purchase agreements issued under the Mitchell administration were later withdrawn en masse by the ULP government.
Citizens interviewed reportedly believe the courts now represent their only avenue for redress. Several lawyers have already been contacted and statements have reportedly been taken from affected individuals.
Among the reports gathered are claims from front-desk employees who allegedly stated they had been instructed by âhigher upsâ not to accept payments because the lands would eventually be taken away.
The matter is said to be under continued monitoring and the public is expected to be updated on any developments.
In the meantime, citizens holding contracts and official offer letters are being encouraged to visit the Department of Lands and Surveys and insist on being allowed to continue payments on their lands.
One farmer reportedly arrived with EC$7,000 in cash intended for his first land purchase down payment but was refused. During a subsequent visit, he was allegedly informed that there was still no clear plan regarding what would happen to the contracts and offer letters already issued.
The views expressed herein are solely those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Cliplet News.