(Trinidad Express) Finally.
This was the word used by former Caroni workers to state how they felt about receiving their leases for residential lots yesterday.
At a residential lease distribution ceremony 480 ex-Caroni workers received their leases at Centre Pointe Mall in Chaguanas.
It was the first set of leases promised by the previous administration but not distributed.
The function was attended by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and Minister of Food Production, Land and Marine Affairs Vasant Bharath.
Many attended the ceremony with their families and all said they were happy to receive the leases that would be a benefit to their children and grandchildren.
Sooklal Ramlochan, 70, was so elated that he kissed the Prime Minister’s hand when he received his documents from her.
“I could not help it. I just had to kiss her hand. We have waited so long for this thing and we finally get it. ”
Ramlochan, who lives in Princes Town received his residential lot in Cedar Hill near to Princes Town.
Chan Jagmohan and Rajkumar Biffna both said they were pleased to collect their official documents.
Most of those who collected their certificates yesterday were labourers in the once thriving sugar company.
But Bharath reminded recipients that those who qualified for the residential lease also can receive two acres of agricultural land some of which was already given.
He told the farmers to use the land wisely.
“The only way that the sector is going to succeed is if we look at agriculture as a business. We can no longer look at agriculture as subsistence farming or something you do on the side of a house…The agriculture sector must pull its boot straps up and understand that they are business people,” Bharath said.
Bharath said the country was seeking to lessen its import bill of TT$4 billion annually by supporting local farmers. Bharath said it cost the State TT$185 million to developed the 4,000 lots.
