Glen residents get refund

Thursday, November 24, 2005, will for a long time be memorable for residents of Glen.

That was the day the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines refunded a total of EC$246, 000 to some members of that community. {{more}}

The lands at Glen which were previously owned by the government, were sold for EC$2 per square foot but were reduced by the present government to EC$1 per square foot.

Prime Minister Dr.Ralph Gonsalves and Area Representative Clayton Burgin journeyed to Glen to present the cheques to the residents.

Prime Minister Gonsalves disclosed that the government will be losing an estimated EC$ 1 million in giving the refund. However, he noted that this is a loss that his administration is prepared for because it means that the people have gained.

He informed the people about the Possessory Titles Bill which was passed in November of 2004, which presents private land owners who have had undisturbed possession of their lands for over 12 years and no title deeds to these lands, with the opportunity to make application for deeds to these lands.

He said that a special judge to accommodate this process will be appointed on December 1, 2005.

Prime Minister Gonsalves used the opportunity to announce plans to build a new primary school in Fair Hall.

Meanwhile, Burgin said that he is delighted to be able to present the refund to the residents of Glen.

He said the reduction in costs of the lands will ensure that the persons who were unable to pay the EC$2 per square foot will now be able to do so at EC$ 1 per square foot.

The government has already given refunds to residents of Ottley Hall.