On Tuesday, Attorney General Anil Nandlall again issued a stern warning to Neighborhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) regarding the unauthorized sale of state lands, including reserves, dams, and sea front properties.
This follows increasing reports of councils attempting to sell public lands without the necessary legal authority.
Nandlall reiterated that the law explicitly prohibits NDCs and municipalities from selling lands within their jurisdictions without the consent of the Minister of Local Government.
“Nobody, when they elected you to serve in these councils, expects you to sell state lands,” he said.
The Attorney General expressed concerns about the implications of such actions on good governance, emphasizing that elected officials are tasked with serving their communities, not selling off public resources.
The issue is not new; Nandlall highlighted troubling instances of illegal land sales occurring throughout the country.
One notable case involved allegations against an NDC in Mocha/Arcadia, prompting local government officials to issue public statements and the police to initiate investigations.
Nandlall clarified that buyers and sellers involved in these transactions would face legal consequences, including potential criminal charges.
“Between 2016 and 2020, while the APNU/AFC coalition was in power, a man in the community of Firish Gibraltar was able to secure certificates of title for extensive oceanfront lands, undermining communal use,” Nandlall recounted.
This case exemplifies the potential dangers of unauthorized land sales, as the land is used for public purposes, including recreation and drainage.
The Attorney General pointed out that such actions lead to significant loss for local communities, who rely on these spaces for various activities. “When titles are issued improperly, it restricts access to vital communal areas,” he warned, stressing the need for accountability and proper governance.
As investigations continue, Nandlall remains committed to rectifying past injustices, including ongoing legal proceedings to challenge improperly issued land titles.
“We are cleaning up the mess left behind,” he asserted, emphasizing the government’s role in protecting public interests.
