Today, Hon. Mohabir Anil Nandlall SC MP, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, held consultations at Latchmansingh Primary School in Bush Lot, West Coast Berbice, with over 100 residents, primarily farmers, from Mahaica, East Coast Demerara, to Blairmont, West Coast Berbice. The meeting focused on the compulsory acquisition of lands for the installation of Guyana Power & Light (GPL) transmission cables, which will be affected by the project.
The transmission cables are designed to distribute electricity generated by the Wales Gas-to-Energy Project, extending as far as Number 53 Village on the Corentyne Coast.
During the engagement, Attorney General Nandlall emphasized the significance of the Gas-to-Shore Project, stating it will ensure a reliable supply of electricity and cooking gas at lower prices. He highlighted the transformative impact this project will have on the economy and the lives of all Guyanese citizens.
Nandlall outlined the government’s plan for the compulsory acquisition of lands, assuring residents that market value will be paid in accordance with the law and the Constitution.
“In this exercise, the Government’s priority is to protect your proprietary interests, ensuring the process is fair and transparent. We aim to reach consensual agreements on fair market value for any property being acquired,” he said. He added that the government will provide legal assistance and valuation certificates, but residents are free to choose their own lawyers and valuators.
The Minister also noted that the government intends to run transmission lines primarily along State lands, acquiring private properties only when necessary.
“Compensation will also be provided for growing crops and for any buildings or structures on these lands, including those leased from the State,” he stated.
The meeting was attended by Vickchand Ramphal, Regional Chairman of Region Five (Mahaica – Berbice), as well as senior officials from Guyana Power & Light Inc., the Mahaica Mahaicony Abary Agricultural Development Authority (MMA-ADA), and the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA).
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