As part of an economic recovery project in Cummings Lodge, Georgetown, twenty five farmers received monetary compensation from the Ministry of Housing and Water – Central Housing & Planning Authority.

In April it was reported that informal land users (farmers) were hindering development works in Cummings Lodge (Parcel 1767), where the Ministry has 140 middle-income homes under construction. The farmers were engaged through the Community Development Department and the Enforcement and Investigation Unit to reach an amicable solution. Written claims were provided by each farmer and assessments conducted by the National Agricultural Research & Extension Institute (NAREI).

The compensation was handed over in the form of cheques to each farmer today during a simple proceeding. Minister of Housing and Water, Hon. Collin Croal, stated that while the Ministry is heavily focused on its housing delivery, it also recognizes its responsibility to ensure that the livelihoods of citizens are not disrupted through its housing projects.

The Minister also highlighted the major economic impact of the construction of the homes for the nearby community of Sophia, as a number of skilled youths are now employed though the project, while others have also benefitted from several entrepreneurship opportunities.

Hon. Susan Rodrigues, Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, also expressed similar sentiments, as she stated that Ministry’s approach shows its commitment to the overall development of the country and promotion of peaceful resolutions.

A total of $25 million in compensation is expected to be distributed. Individual compensation for each farmer ranges from $100,000 to $5.6 million based on claims and the NAREI assessment. Crops planted by the informal land users included vegetable crops, orchard crops (coconut, citrus, sour sap) suckers (plantain and banana).

Chief Executive Officer (CEO), of CH&PA, Mr. Sherwyn Greaves, Director of Projects, Mr. Omar Narine, Director of Community Development, Mr. Gladwin Charles and other management and staff were also present at the activity.

𝐏𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐬: 𝐒𝐲𝐝𝐞𝐥 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐬 𝐂𝐇𝐏𝐀 𝐏𝐑 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐭.