By Leeron Brumell
The Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC) has refuted claims by the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) regarding ownership rights to the lands earmarked for the construction of the Georgetown Seafront Resort and Convention Centre along Carifesta Avenue.
In a detailed five-page document released on Thursday, the GLSC clarified that the government, not the M&CC, holds control over the 240.5 acres of land from Carifesta Avenue, near the Everest Cricket Club ground.
The GLSC emphasized that the government of British Guiana and later Guyana surveyed and issued leases for the 240-plus acres of land along Carifesta Avenue and Thomas Lands.
The commission has also re-issued leases that had expired in the past.
Contrary to claims by the M&CC, the GLSC stated that the lands at Carifesta Avenue do not belong to the Council under the provided transport.
It highlighted the necessity of examining the entire transport document, including the first two pages, to determine the location and size of the referenced land.
Having examined the actual transport document in its possession, the GLSC identified it as matching Transport 337 of 1886, which the commission has frequently used as a reference for surveys and land transactions in Plantation Thomas.
The GLSC’s clarification comes amidst the ongoing development of the Georgetown Seafront Resort and Convention Centre.
The project, which saw the sod turning ceremony on February 18, aims to construct a five-star resort with 400 rooms and other amenities.
Assets Group, a Qatari company, is overseeing the construction as part of Guyana’s partnership with Qatar.
Despite the controversy surrounding land ownership, PPP General Secretary Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo expressed confidence in the project’s progression during a recent statement.
The GLSC’s statement sheds light on the intricate legalities surrounding land ownership, ensuring transparency in the development process of the Georgetown Seafront Resort and Convention Centre.