led by its proposed Presidential Candidate

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The People’s National Congress Reform has yet again made public its concern over the passing of the Land (Prescription and Limitation) (Amendment) Bill 2011.During the party’s weekly media briefing Leader of the Opposition Robert Corbin said that the passing of the bill is a clear case of political vindictiveness.He added that the Government blatantly refused to delay and consideration of the Bill by one week to complete consultation with affected stakeholders.“The PNCR had warned that one of the motivations of this Bill was to deprive citizens who may have acquired rights, from obtaining Title of ownership of State lands, which, they would have already acquired for thirty or more years and, which, under the present Law, they would be now entitled to own.”The opposition leader also pointed out that it was forewarned that the arbitrary removal of the rights of citizens to prescribe against the State may affect constitutional rights of citizens as guaranteed under Article 142 of the Guyana Constitution.“Information now in the possession of the PNCR confirms that the PNCR was correct in its predictions”.Corbin further pointed out that in less than a week after the passage of this Bill, which has not yet become Law, the PNCR has been advised that the PPP/C, led by its proposed Presidential Candidate, proposes to use this Act for political witch hunting to drive fear and to intimidate potential opponents.“Several occupiers of State land who have already satisfied the requirements of undisturbed possession for in excess of 30 years have been warned that their lands would be taken away.” The Party leader added that the subliminal message being conveyed is that should they not “behave in an appropriate manner” then no political discretion would be exercised.“More disturbing, however, is the information that political patronage would be exercised to sell these, soon to be acquired, lands to friends and lackeys of the PPP/C Administration should they co-operate to support the anticipated PPP Presidential Candidate, Mr. Donald Ramotar”.Corbin added that from all indication Mr. Ramotar is hoping to continue the same vindictive politics practiced by his President should he succeed.Corbin said that some land owners are being threatened that their land will be acquired through the Acquisition of Land for Public Purposes Act.“In one such case, the PNCR understands that the PPP proposes to take away land from a private citizen to build the new specialist hospital, with assistance from India, in an area where the government recently sold land to a private developer and where other alternative sites are available”.Corbin said that his Party will be monitoring these and other developments, but takes this opportunity to advise all citizens to be vigilant and ensure that they do not become victims of this recent machination of the PPP.“President Jagdeo and Mr. Ramotar’s wicked plan to politically victimise persons by the seizure of lands under the new Land Title Act and/or the Acquisition of lands for Public purposes Act must be resisted by citizens”.Again the Party leader mentioned that the Bill will be challenged.