By: Marvin Cato | HGP Nightly News|
MAHAICONY, EAST COAST DEMERARA — A group of distressed cattle farmers in the Mahaicony area is demanding urgent answers from the government following the sudden commencement of a road construction project through their traditional grazing lands. The farmers claim they were never consulted or even notified of the works, leaving the fate of over 1,000 head of cattle hanging in the balance.
Grazing Lands Under the Blade
For generations, families along the Mahaicony corridor have utilized these ancestral lands to sustain their livelihoods through cattle rearing. However, that heritage is now literally being cleared away.
- Zero Consultation: Farmers expressed shock and disappointment as heavy machinery began clearing vast tracts of land. They maintain that no public meetings were held and no formal notices were served before the infrastructure took shape.
- Livelihood at Risk: With grazing grounds being carved up for the new road network, farmers are left wondering where their livestock will feed and how they will prevent animals from wandering onto what will eventually be a high-traffic thoroughfare.
MP Vinceroy Jordan: “Voices are Being Ignored”
Member of Parliament Vinceroy Jordan, representing A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), visited the affected area to stand in solidarity with the farmers. He characterized the move as a blatant sidelining of the local community.
- Ancestral Rights: MP Jordan emphasized that these farmers have worked these lands for decades. He argued that the lack of warning is a direct affront to their “dignity and heritage.”
- The Cost of Progress: While acknowledging the need for national development, the MP stressed that it should never come at the expense of a citizen’s ability to feed their family.
- Demands for Transparency: Jordan is calling on the government to immediately engage the farmers to explain the specific purpose of the road and provide a roadmap for the community’s future.
The Farmers’ Demands
As the project continues to advance, the Mahaicony cattle farmers and MP Jordan have outlined three critical requirements for the government:
- Direct Engagement: An immediate town hall meeting with the relevant Ministry and authorities.
- Fair Treatment: A clear plan for compensation for the loss of grazing access.
- Relocation Solutions: If the land is to be permanently repurposed, the government must identify and prepare alternative grazing zones to prevent the industry from collapsing.
Conclusion: A Growing Trend of Displacement?
This situation in Mahaicony draws parallels to the recent tensions in Friendship, where farmers are also battling for land rights against infrastructure and private development. For the people of Mahaicony, the message is clear: they are not against progress, but they refuse to be erased by it.
