In an effort to work at a comprehensive national land policy, the Minister of Natural Resources Johnny Briceno appointed an advisory committee to advise on land matters.
While it would seem like another officious committee with limited real world application, the ministry means this one will make things happen. Today proof of a restructuring ministry came as the national lands advisory committee held a 2-day symposium entitled "Towards a comprehensive national land policy".
Natural Resources Minister Briceno opened the symposium stressing the need for persons to acquire land, because to use Dr. Leroy Taegar's deathless expression, the land is the bank.
Hon. John Briceno, Minister of Natural Resources
"We thought that it is imperative to encourage the increase involvement of our people in the development of a national land policy. This symposium will highlight and summarize of these consultations, will present the views and opinion of other local experts, and seek further inputs from you towards a national land policy."
"But for land to become a tradable asset to create wealth, we need to make it a legal instrument and we must ensure the security of land tenure. The land management program, the LMP, is doing exactly this. By achieving this, these land assets will continue to stimulate economic development that will result in the creation of wealth; wealth to its owners and to the larger society that is contributing to the overall development of our country."
Topics to be covered at the symposium include land acquisition, land tenure, land allocation and a proposed land distribution authority.