SOME 24 residents of Kwakwani Upper Demerara- Berbice region ten, on Friday, received leases from the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission, according to a press release from the Commission.

The leases were presented by Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture Hon. Valarie Yearwood and Manager of the Commission’s Secretariat, Mr. Durwin Humphrey who represented Commissioner Mr. Trevor L. Benn at the handing over ceremony.
According to the Commission’s release, the process began in October 2017, when the Kwakwani Neighbourhood Democratic Council sent a letter to the Commission raising several concerns which residents brought to its attention as it related to the security of their lands.

Commissioner Trevor Benn later responded and led a team to the area on a fact-finding mission. At that time, Mr. Benn had assured the residents that he would ensure that their matters were resolved once all the groundwork was completed.

Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture, Hon. Valarie Yearwood, was also involved in the process as the residents had reached out to her when she served as Minister responsible for the Central Housing and Planning Authority.

“You are deserving of your leases, and I am happy with the work the Guyana Lands and Surveys has done,” The Minister told the residents.

“The Commission had several engagements with you and it was not easy and it was not cheap. These leases cost the Commission, but I am happy that finally this part is over and I want to say that this is another promise delivered. I am urging you to kindly make the land work for you. Now that you have the security for your land you can finally start or expand your business or your homes,” the Minister urged.

Also in brief remarks, Manager of the Commission’s Secretariat, Mr. Durwin Humphrey, urged the residents to make good use of their titles.
“These hardworking families are well- deserving of these leases, these families previously had no title, no security of tenure, for their land which they well deserve and we are happy that we can provide them with these titles.”

“Ladies and Gentlemen especially those who will be receiving their titles today, we encourage you to take advantage of these titles, make the best use of them, invest in homes and businesses. You can now go to the bank with your titles and obtain a loan” Mr. Humphrey encouraged.

Mr. Humphrey said the Commission is pleased to bring the process to a close and look forward to continue working with the community.
On Thursday the Commission delivered some 36 leases to the residents of Nurney/kildonan in region six.