Tobago People’s Party (TPP) Political Leader Farley Augustine is refuting claims that No Man’s Land is being sold to a private developer.
Mr. Augustine responded to the accusations during a political meeting in Patience Hill on Monday.
“Let me be pellucidly clear: this Chief Secretary, this government, and this Executive, has not given any lands to any private developer down at No Man’s Land.”
However, Mr. Augustine confirmed a private developer approached the Tobago House of Assembly with a verbal proposal.
“A private developer, a private businessman, came to the THA and said, look, he could help the vendors down on No Man’s Land to ensure they have appropriate facilities to sell their food from so that they will get access to water, toilet facilities, and they will meet international health and safety practices. He offered to provide it for free to the people of Tobago at no cost to the people of Tobago, at no cost to the government, and he wanted to know if he provides it if the THA will take over the maintenance of it.”
According to Mr. Augustine, the businessman was asked to speak to the vendors and present a proposal.
“The gentleman has not even provided us with a proposal as yet for us to even make a decision. So how it reach to them spreading propaganda on the man name, saying that somehow we sign away land and we are putting off vendors? If we have to put off vendors from No Man’s Land, the first thing they will receive is a legal letter from the THA indicating such, and I am sure no vendor, no proprietor in No Man’s Land, received any notice from the THA that they must leave.”
Mr. Augustine noted that the land is not vested in the THA and as such cannot be given to anyone.