Carifesta land claim: ‘Take It to the courts,’ AG tells City Hall

Attorney General (AG) Anil Nandlall has reiterated the government’s position that the land at Carifesta Avenue, earmarked for a hotel, is state property and does not belong to the Mayor and City Council (M&CC).

The AG made this statement as Georgetown Mayor Alfred Mentore once again threatened legal action against the government during a recent statutory meeting.

Mentore stated that numerous efforts have been made to engage the government regarding the disputed seafront property, but he has been unable to have meaningful discussions with the State.

The City is claiming ownership of the seafront lots and believes it should benefit from the US$300 million project, which will see Qatari investors constructing a resort and convention centre.

Minister Nandlall emphasised that the government has thoroughly examined all relevant legal documents, which confirm that the Carifesta land is “indubitably owned by the State.”

He noted that since making this declaration, he has advised the City Council to seek legal recourse if they believe they own the property and possess documents supporting their claim. However, he pointed out that the Council has failed to take legal action and, one year later, is simply repeating the same assertions. “The government’s position remains unchanged,” Nandlall insisted.

He further stated that any legal proceedings filed against the government will be vigorously defended, warning that “those who initiate such a case may not only be exposed to substantial legal costs but also liabilities for any financial losses incurred due to the litigation.”

Mayor Mentore said that the City has begun legal consultations to assess its standing in the matter.