708 ex-Caroni workers receive leases

When Caroni was closed, approximately 7,965 workers were offered VSE P. Thousands of them have since received their leases in different disbursements under various governments.

The latest set was distributed by Agriculture, Land and Fisheries Minister Clarence Rambharat.

Speaking at a ceremony at the Couva Chamber of Commerce office yesterday morning, Rambharat said it was “disheartening” that so many former workers are still receiving leases after waiting for 14 years.

He recalled his commitment to having the entire process completed by December 31, 2016, but said the process was held up due to their inability to reach approximately 1,800 beneficiaries despite several attempts including newspaper advertisements.

The delay resulted in some beneficiaries dying, leaving their families with the challenges of managing their estate.

Nevertheless, Rambharat said, “There is no question about Government’s commitment to complete this VSE P exercise.

The Government, and I personally, stand committed to seeing this to the end.” He said the remaining residential leases would be available for distribution by the end of the year and reiterated his commitment to facilitating much needed fundamental change to the agricultural sector.