Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves during a call to Star Radio’s Morning Scoop program earlier today, discussed the quarry that is set to operate in Richmond, located in the North Leeward constituency.
Prime Minister Gonsalves while noting that 12 farmers will be affected by quarry’s operation said that communication on the part of the officials could have been better.
“I’ve been advised that 12 farmers are going to be affected. Now let me hasten to say this; the interplay between the officials in the ministry of transport and works and also Julian’s own ministry now, and the ministry of agriculture, that interplay could have been far better, including also, with the involvement of lands and surveys.” He said.
The Prime Minister said he had been informed that there had been a discussion long ago.
Prime Minister Gonsalves during his call said that the representative for North Leeward Carlos James, the Chief Surveyor as well as the Agriculture Minister Saboto Caesar had gone down to the site on Thursday; as he assured that the farmers will be compensated for their crops.
“I know the Chief Surveyor went down yesterday, Carlos, and Saboto. I think they saw the farmers in the morning, and I think there was a broader consultation in the afternoon.
I understand there are about 12 farmers, good farmers, many of them and they have crops there and always of course, you’re going to get compensation for your crops.” He said.
Prime Minister Gonsalves at the time of his call to the show said he was not yet informed of the outcome of the consultations.
