Full statement below:
Caricom Rice Mills wishes to address recent public statements made on social media concerning specific parcels of land in the Somerset and Berks area on the Essequibo Coast.
1. Caricom Rice Mills is the Registered Owner
Caricom Rice Mills is the registered proprietor of the lands in question. Title has never been transferred to any other party.
2. The Transaction Was a Private Agreement That Was Never Concluded
In January, 2017 , the previous owners of Caricom Rice Mills ( Caricom)entered into private agreements of sale with certain individuals in order to quickly raise money. Those agreements expressly and impliedly provided that:
• the purchaser would pay a deposit;
• Caricom would retain possession of the lands;
• title would pass only upon payment of the balance within six months; and
• time was of the essence.
The balances were never paid. The agreements were never completed. Title was never transferred. No purchaser ever obtained possession. The Company was later sold.
3. No Steps Were Taken by the Purchaser for Nearly a Decade
For almost ten years, the individual now making public claims took no steps to pay the balance, to enforce the agreement, or to lodge any caution or prohibition against the land. Under Guyanese law, a purchaser who fails to perform and remains silent for such a prolonged period loses any right to enforce the agreement.
4. Caricom Has Acted in Good Faith
Although Caricom was legally entitled to forfeit the deposit, the Company has instead refunded the full amount paid. This reflects Caricom’s good faith and its desire to resolve the matter fairly, not any acknowledgment of the claims being made.
5. This Is a Private Legal Matter – Not a Government or Political Matter
This dispute arises from a private agreement of sale between private parties. It is governed exclusively by the laws of Guyana and the terms of the agreement itself. Neither the Government of Guyana nor any political actor has any legal role or authority in this private transaction. Any attempt to involve political institutions in a private contractual dispute is legally unfounded and would constitute an improper interference with the rights of a registered proprietor.
6. Caricom Will Protect Its Lawful Rights
Caricom Rice Mills will continue to rely on the established legal framework and, if necessary, the courts to vindicate its position as registered proprietor. The Company remains committed to the lawful development of its lands and to the growth of the communities in which it operates.
