Guyana: Todd Questions President Ali’s Explanation on Farmland Controversy

APNU Member of Parliament Dr. Dexter Todd has raised concerns regarding President Irfaan Ali’s response to the ongoing farmland controversy. Todd suggests that the President may have contradicted himself by rejecting the Opposition’s estimates without providing a clear figure for the actual size of the property in question. Speaking alongside fellow APNU MP Sherod Duncan, Todd stated that while the President attempted to clarify the issue, he believes that Ali’s response has not resolved the public’s concerns.

Todd noted that the President dismissed the Opposition Leader’s claims about the acreage but failed to offer a definitive number of his own. He remarked, “The President is saying that the Leader of the Opposition’s estimation might be wrong, but he has not said what the amount is.” This lack of clarity, according to Todd, has only intensified public concern, especially as other claims circulating in the community suggest that the acreage may be even larger.

He emphasized that the situation is troubling and warrants immediate intervention. Todd called for the President to step aside and allow for a full investigation, citing numerous unanswered questions. He also mentioned that the controversy has negatively impacted Ali’s reputation and has sparked strong reactions both on the streets and across social media platforms.

For Todd, the issue is intertwined with the challenges faced by ordinary Guyanese in accessing land. He highlighted that thousands of citizens have applied for leases along the Linden-Soesdyke Highway and are still awaiting responses. Many applicants are seeking just one acre to establish a business or improve their living conditions.

Additionally, Duncan pointed out that the controversy resonates deeply with the public as it relates to housing and land ownership, which he described as fundamental human rights. He noted that many Guyanese have been waiting 13 to 15 years for a house lot, and even after allocation, they face challenges in accessing it, securing titles, and dealing with contractors.

Duncan argued that public frustration is understandable when citizens observe claims of large properties and developments associated with influential figures while ordinary families continue to struggle. He stated that the issue reflects a broader sentiment that many Guyanese do not genuinely share in the ownership of the country or the benefits derived from the oil economy. Duncan concluded that the controversy has evolved beyond a single property, highlighting issues of inequality, land access, and public trust.

Source: hgptv.com