I am disheartened by the extent to which the Mausica farming land issue has evolved. While it was wrong for the Government to destroy crops on these lands, it would be remiss of us to not acknowledge that the Government has taken steps to make amends in this situation.
I am astonished by these farmers' uncompromising stance when it is so obvious that they have "stolen" these lands from the Government. How dare they ask for tenure to lands which do not belong to them and which have already been dedicated for houses for more than 800 families? Why should 800-plus people be put to suffer for the sake of four farmers?
Farmers, I am calling on you to let good sense prevail. Compromise is not weakness. While it was wrong of the Government to destroy your crops, do not let that stop you from recognising when a good deal has been given to you. Take the lands in St Helena and let the Government go on with its work of providing housing to citizens.
Robert Holder
La Horquetta