Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall said there is enough evidence for the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to commence a probe into the alleged sale of state lands by an official attached to the Buxton/Foulis Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC).
Nandlall, during his “Issues in the News” programme on Tuesday night, said that the government has already made it clear that it is illegal for NDCs to dispose of state lands. He warned that there will be consequences if persons are found culpable.
“The issue of local authorities and state lands has once again arisen. We have made it clear already—any local authority that sells state lands, those who are the authors of that sale in that local authority, will have to face the full force of the law,” the AG cautioned.
He noted that a report has been made to the Guyana Police Force, and hopefully, an investigation will commence.
The AG reminded also that only the President of Guyana holds the power to dispose of state lands.
“These are elected officials of an NDC. How can they be empowered to dispose of state lands? The custodian of state lands is the president…The Constitution and the laws of Guyana have not given it to any other person other than the president. And there’s a reason for that.
So, I am hoping that the Guyana Police Force will move swiftly. We can use this to set an example. I have seen the documents signed by the chairman and by the persons who are buying or leasing these lands. So, the evidence is there. And I hope that the police will act quickly and address this matter.”
