The Chaguaramas Development Association (CDA) is waging a full-scale battle against farmers who it insists are illegally occupying its lands in the area.

Legal advisor Mario Edwards told TnT Mirror that as far as CDA is concerned, the farmers are squatters.

The legal advisor disclosed that according to the Act of Chaguaramas, the farmers have no authority to be on the land.

When asked what CDA intends to do with the land once the farmers are evicted, he replied: “To carry out the purpose of the Act.”

He admitted that the area was indeed farmland.

The advisor also said that the farmers received several notices from the CDA over the years and knew they were illegally occupying the land.

The latest notice to the farmers said: “All persons who are in occupation of lands at Guave Road, Chaguaramas or their successors or assigns or legal personal representatives.

“CDA gives you notice to vacate and deliver up to CDA, on or before January 16, 2006, possession of the respective pieces or parcels of land which you unlawfully occupy without CDA’s consent.”

Farmers occupying the land told Mirror that they once had a cordial relationship with CDA.

They said: “CDA used to help us inside here; if we ask them for something they used to try and provide it for us.

“I remember a few years ago they used to come inside here and pave the road for us.

“But they don’t do that any more.”

A spokesman for the farmers noted: “The roadway has deteriorated over the years; massive potholes and wild bush have taken over the once paved roadway.

“And apart from the fact that they no longer assist the farmers, a barricade was put up outside the area preventing any cars from venturing into Guave Road.

“Persons must receive permission from the security booth outside of Pier 1 before entering the district.”

Farmers also revealed that long ago, motorists used Guave Road as a short cut to and from Maquaripe Bay, located on the northern side of Chaguaramas.

This CDA guard opens the barracade at the
entrance to Guave Road.

JOSEPH RICHARDSON alongside another
Guave Road farmer.

Potholes and bush in the roadway.

This elderly farmer works the land.

However, motorists can no longer use the route due to its dilapidated state and the barricade located at the entrance of the road.

Interim President of the Guave Road farmers, Joseph Richardson, said that the land is a rich agricultural district.

He further boasted that while other forests were burning during the dry season a few years ago, the Guave forest remained green.

Richardson said that a massive swamp occupies the area and that is what allows them to farm throughout the year. The president also accused CDA of being bias in its move to evict the farmers.

He related: “They trying to get all the poor people out of the area and bring in the rich people.

“If you look at Chaguaramas you will notice that they are only building beach front housing settlements for the upper-class folks.

“That is what they want to do with the area, but we farmers were here before CDA.

“We have proper documents in case any legal matters should arise.”