| … New Line Aqua Farm equipment seizure No formal approval was given by the Lands and Surveys Commission to the New Line Aqua Farm to develop a forestry concession into agricultural land.A source close to the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) yesterday told this newspaper that following the seizure of equipment from the farm on Monday last, it was discovered that an application was made to the Lands and Surveys Commission, but no approval was given.As such, the source said, GFC can pursue two courses of action – value the equipment seized and sell it, or it can value the section of forest that was cleared and fine the company with a comparable value.The source noted that the investigation into the matter will be completed next week.Last Monday, the GFC seized all machinery and equipment from New Line Aqua Farm, from a Canal # 2 concession, after it was discovered that approximately 25 acres of secondary forest was removed without the necessary approval from State Forest Permission.Kaieteur News was told that the GFC was conducting a routine monitoring exercise at the concession when it was discovered that it was being cleared. The New Line Aqua Farm was reportedly clearing the area for later development of agricultural activity.As such the GFC immediately issued a cease order and is now conducting a detailed investigation into the matter. Among the machinery seized are a D6H Caterpillar bulldozer, a bulldozer with rake, a 315 Caterpillar Hymac and a tractor-trailer.The Commissioner of Forestry, James Singh, has since written the Commissioner of Lands and Survey Commission,Wholesale Jerseys Free Shipping, Doorga Persaud, to provide a status report outlining if any application was made to that organization for the establishment of an agricultural farm at that location.The Commissioner of Forest is also requesting the date that such an application was made along with the current status of the application. |
