30 ‘squatters’ get Certificates of Comfort
Thirty persons received Certificates of Comfort (CoC) from the Land Settlement Agency on Tuesday night at the Arima Town Hall.
Sixteen of the recipients were from Arima, and 14 from Bon Air West.
Dr Lincoln Douglas , Minister of the Arts and Multiculturalism and MP for Lopinot/ Bon Air West, in his address at the distribution ceremony, recalled people often came to him and complained about squatters, but he reminded all present, that squatters are responsible for most areas being developed. “I myself was a squatter, and today the squatting area has been developed into a community with all infrastructure.” said Dr Douglas.
The minister told the recipients this was the first stage in removing them from poverty, and making them wealthy by having a piece of land.
However, “this wealth must not lead to confusion, bacchanal or conflict,” he advised. “All this should be left behind, and let this meaningful space that you acquire bring unity for building a community of peace,” he added.
Ghassan Youseph, Mayor of Arima, advised the recipients who received Certificates of Comfort, to make good use of this first step in improving their family lives. Many people are without land, and have to pay a high rent which most times take away the bread from their families.
Use this opportunity to begin to build a home, where your families can call home, and where you no longer have to pay a rent, but can use the rent money to begin to construct a home, and buy more food, and have a better lifestyle .
Mayor Youseph thanked the Officials of Land Settlement Agency for having the 30 certificates completed, and distributed to the recipients.