INCREASING demands for lands for cattle and the establishment of pastures has led to government pursuing arrangements to repossess two blocks of state land totalling approximately 7,300 acres located on the Right Bank of the Canje River in the vicinity of Manarabisi and Black Bush Polder, part of which is also referred to as Kokrite Savannah. The said lands are held by Mc Neal Enterprises whose principal is Mr. Odinga Lumumba and arrangements are being finalised to have the land returned to the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GL&SC) for suitable allocation to livestock farmers within the area.
Minister of Agriculture, Robert Persaud has held discussions with cattle farmers and has presented a proposal once the land returns to the GL&SC to be allocated to cattle farmers. It is well known that over the years there have been conflicts with cattle in rice and sugar cultivation areas.
This activity will be coordinated by the Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with the GL&SC. Eligible cattle farmers will be screened by the Ministry and the lands will be issued based on the ministry’s recommendations.
Meanwhile, the GL&SC is pursuing mutual arrangements to compensate Mc Neal Enterprises for the land being returned.
Farmers in the Black Bush Polder area have made representation for these lands and preparations have been made for this arrangement.