Dear Editor,
The Ministry of Public Works is extremely disappointed with the biased nature of an article published in Stabroek News Business section on Friday, June 27, captioned ‘Timehri farmers losing valuable crops as airport expansion moves apace.’
The article is centred around Patrick Gray – a farmer squatting on government lands for over a decade – and his fear of losing his livelihood as the airport expansion moves ahead. The article leaves readers with the perception that there is no regard for the farmers’ plight.
To this end, the ministry seeks to shed some light on the prejudiced account.
First and foremost, the ministry and Airport Authority have held meetings and engaged in one-on-one conversations with squatters since 2008 on the airport expansion and relocation options.
Furthermore, the ministry encouraged each of the farmers to apply to Lands and Surveys for suitable alternative farming lands; however, most of them have failed to take up this offer.
In Mr Gray’s case, he has been approached on no less than ten times, several of which were with officers from the Guyana Police Force, to desist farming on airport vested lands. Mr Gray was advised that suitable land would be provided for him to relocate where he may continue to cultivate his cash crops since his farm is in the project’s immediate construction path. However, in all instances, Mr Gray has blatantly refused to even engage the ministry and Airport Authority in any discussion.
The airport expansion is crucial to Guyana’s development. In this light, the Ministry of Public Works and Airport Authority are committed to assist squatters, including Mr Gray, to relocate to suitable farming areas so as to ensure their source of income/livelihood is sustained; despite claims by some of being bullied and disenfranchised.
Yours faithfully,
Aneka Edwards
Public Relations Officer
Cheddi Jagan International
Airport Corporation
