The BV community has successfully thwarted an attempt to take over their ancestral lands by outside interests. The Beterverwagting/Triumph Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) first defended their land against John Fernandes Limited (JFL), who had expressed interest in purchasing a 143-acre plot of land in the area. JFL allegedly abandoned the deal after concerns were raised about the ownership of the land.
However, the BV community faced another challenge when JFL revealed that it had transferred its rights and interest to Mohamed’s Sons and Daughters Trading, Mining, Logging, and Construction Inc. (MSDT) through a Deed of Assignment. Mohan Mohamed Johnson, the managing director of MSDT, was listed as the company’s head, and the address was given as Lot 61 Fourth Street, Cummings Lodge, in Greater Georgetown.
Despite this development, the people of BV, led by Elton McRae and their lawyer Eusi Anderson, refused to let their ancestral lands be taken over. They took legal action by joining a claim against the State of Guyana for its failure to implement and uphold proper safeguards and systems to prevent the fraudulent alienation of African ancestral lands by way of fraud of its public authorities. The claim also sought a declaration that the state of Guyana had failed to discharge its duties to the applicants in protecting and preserving African ancestral lands from fraudulent, illegal, illegitimate alienation by its public authorities.
The BV community’s persistence, vigilance, and activism played a crucial role in their victory. MSDT was forced to withdraw the court case between MSDT and BV/Triumph NDC over McKenzie Polder BV, and the NDC was reimbursed $250,000 for incurring defense costs.
The BV community’s victory is a significant one and an inspiration for others facing similar challenges in protecting their ancestral lands. The leftover cash of $320,000 from public donations will be donated to any other group fighting to prevent the seizure or theft of their African ancestral lands. This victory is a testament to the power of community and the importance of protecting African ancestral lands. The BV community has set an example for others to follow, and their success highlights the need for greater attention and action on issues of ancestral land ownership.
