Imbert says Bamboo residents comfortable

However, Works and Transport Minister Colm Imbert, who attended the meeting on the request of Caroni East Member of Parliament Ganga Singh, who was born in the area, told Newsday he felt the residents were "quite comfortable with what is going on."

Imbert told Newsday he spent about an hour and a half speaking with the residents about the interchange project. He said there were about 300 residents. He said he quelled rumours that Government would be acquiring all of the lands in the village, and explained other issues.

"I got the sense that the residents have every confidence in the community group which has been formed to deal with the process. I did not detect any disagreement, confusion or sense that anyone felt they would be unfairly treated." Imbert said MP for the area Gerald Yetming had asked Singh, because of his ties to the village, to liaise with officials about the project and seek their best interest.

The minister said negotiations were nearing completion with six residents for land swap.

Prior to Imbert’s visit to the area, Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj SC sent a letter dated Tuesday, January 17, to Prime Minister Patrick Manning requesting that a committee be set up to meet with the representatives of the residents to discuss issues surrounding the acquisition of the lands. The letter was copied to Imbert.

Maharaj told Manning that negotiations with 15 residents for their relocation have been completed, but talks were ongoing with another six residents. While those talks continue, Maharaj said he was informed that individuals claiming to be acting on behalf of the State were approaching other residents and asking that they give up the rights to their lands.

Maharaj said those residents or their ancestors have occupied the Bamboo lands since 1948, noting that they were all granted occupation and possession of the lands under the auspices of leases granted by Government from time to time. He added that some residents do not have leases, but have been in possession of the lands for more than 20 years with Government approval.

Maharaj suggested that Government appoint a committee to hold discussions with residents in the interest of "co-operation and recognition of the national importance of the project, and of the rights of the residents," and to "achieve fairness to the residents and an amicable resolution of the issues."

Maharaj said the residents wished to avoid taking legal action, but if pushed they will have no choice.