The verification process for some farmers affected by the clearing of the Buxton backlands will start today while a few should receive their cheques by Friday and up to Monday around 63 farmers had submitted claims.
Eight of them have had their claims verified and signed compensation contracts yesterday. They should receive their cheques by Friday, Minister of Agriculture, Robert Persaud told reporters following a visit yesterday to the compensation centre established by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Joint Services at the Friendship Methodist Church at Friendship, East Coast Demerara (ECD).
Following a decision to clear the backlands behind Buxton and Friendship, ECD, a compensation centre had been set up to process claims of farmers who were affected by the exercise. The clearing decision was made in the wake of the Lusignan massacre during which 11 people including five children were brutally murdered.
The ministry in a statement disclosed that an on-the-ground verification exercise was conducted on Sunday along Brushe Dam, which is the only area cleared so far, to determine the level of damage and legitimacy of the farmers’ claims. Of the 23 farmers who registered claims that they are cultivating along that dam, only eight participated in the verification, even though they were all notified via phone and through their representatives, the release said, stating too that the exercise was led by the Joint Services. “The on-site inspection revealed that no suckers (plantain and bananas) or major tree crops were destroyed”, the statement asserted adding that verification will include Joint Services photos and films as well as on-site inspection.
During Persaud’s brief visit to the centre yesterday, some residents upon learning that the minister was in the area, went to the church and aired their concerns about the level of compensation being offered for their crops.
He informed them that if they are not satisfied with the level of compensation being offered then they can appeal. “Those who are not satisfied with the outcome and verification process, they can appeal”, he stated noting that an appeal mechanism is being set up.
The Agriculture Minister revealed that some of the payments will be done on an interim basis so that people who are affected can get some money. He said that once the area has been identified to be cleared then an interim payment can be made following a verification exercise.
Outlining the process, the minister said that farmers come into the centre and fill up the form and then physical verification will take place. He said that a technical committee assesses the verification exercises and awards compensation based on established criteria.
Minister Persaud stated that at the end of the clearing, certain crops within the cleared areas can be planted.
The ministry statement said that the centre, which was established on February 18 at the church, is expected to operate for three weeks to facilitate as many farmers as possible to register their claims for compensation in this area and is open from Monday to Friday between 8:30 am to 5 pm. Following this initial period, the operating date will be further extended if the need arises.
“Farmers who claim that they are denied access will continue to interact with the Joint Services on a suitable arrangement”, the release added.
