PARAMARIBO – Most of the nation’s legislators have strongly condemned the government’s decision to expand the land conversion from 2,500 square meters to 2 hectares. Legislators from various political parties made it clear that the government has made a wrong move especially given the fact that the Land Conversion Act is still being discussed in parliament. The strong differences of opinions regarding turning swaths of government land into private land had previously resulted in a delay of the discussion of the Land Conversion Act.

The opposition parties BEP and NDP are not the only ones that are against this as members of the coalition party ABOP are also discontent with the government’s decisions regarding the issue. President Chandrikapersad Santokhi has resorted to a legal loophole that gives him the authority to bypass parliament in order to make this decision. The opposition has accused him of showing contempt towards parliament. “It could be a tool that is legal but which is also unethical, immoral and asocial,” said the chairman of the BEP faction in parliament, Ronnie Asabina.

MP Asabina urged the chairman of parliament, Marinus Bee, to put the discussion of the Land Conversion Act on the agenda as soon as possible. Chairman Bee had adjourned the discussion so that parliament and the government could shape the Land Conversion Act in accordance with the wishes of parliament. “While parliament is busy with it, the president tiptoes to his office to launch a state decree,” said MP Bouva (NDP) who is a former deputy chairman  of parliament. MP Edgar Sampie (ABOP) labelled the president’s move “an unexpected surprise.” The plan to turn up to 2 hectares of government land into private land is raising many eye brows and questions. MP Asabina pointed out that mostly the wealthy people, people who control swaths of government land and foreign parties would benefit from this decision.

Legislators warn that foreigners could end up becoming the legitimate owners of government land via legal loopholes in the form of foundations. The constitution clearly prohibits foreigners from owning government land but the legal loophole would give them the opportunity to bypass the law. “Our land is on sale,” said MP Asabina. “This is not in the interest of citizens but foundations that are mostly run by foreigners. Our land is on sale.”