Lands inquiry puts ‘Pradoville 2’ under scrutiny

The Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into African ancestral land ownership began hearings yesterday with a significant portion of the first day’s proceedings being dedicated to questions pertaining to the allocation of lots in the controversial ‘Pradoville 2’ Housing Scheme.

The CoI, chaired by Reverend George Chuck-A-Sang, with Berlinda Persaud, Professor Rudolph James, David James, Paulette Henry, Lennox Caleb, and Carol Khan James as commissioners, heard testimony from several witnesses at the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission.

The CoI is tasked with examining and making recommendations to resolve all the issues and uncertainties surrounding the individual, joint or communal ownership of land acquired by freed Africans and other matters relative to land titling. while at the traffic light on Irving Street, Georgetown.

Rohan Rampersaud was shot once in his left leg during the broad daylight ordeal which lasted for about three minutes. The bullet exited his leg and he is said to be recovering at home.

Stabroek News understands that around 1pm Monday, Rampersaud visited the Republic Bank, Camp Street branch where he withdrew about $8 million for his employer. After exiting the bank, he reportedly handed over the money to another employee who was in an armoured vehicle and who went in a different location.

It is suspected that the bandits trailed Rampersaud from the bank under the belief that he had the withdrawal in his possession. by remarks made by Minister of Public Security Khemraj Ramjattan during the proceedings.

Among the many stakeholders attending the conference are Ministers of Government who are allocated specific time to interact and address concerns raised by the participants in addition to being present at all plenary sessions as is customary.

Stabroek News understands that unlike previous NTC conferences, Ministers are only attending sessions between 6 pm – 8 pm, which has caused some to question the government’s interest in addressing issues affecting indigenous peoples.