And keeping it in the south, there is a reported land issue happening in the Stann Creek Valley. One resident, Aldon Tasher, along with several farmers proposed a meeting with the media to discuss what they referred to as land grabs in their community. They also added that it was the area rep's children who were responsible for accessing the lands and moving timber that had been cut down.
Today when Rodwell Ferguson was asked about it, he insisted that the claims are politically motivated and that he didn't know of any such issue, but said if the media wanted to know more, then maybe they should go down to Red Bank to do their own research.
Rodwell Ferguson, Minister of Transport, Youth and Sports
"Nobody has authority to issue land. Only the minister responsible for lands. So it's a total lie."
Reporter
"Since you've been back have you consulted with the villagers, have you address this, have you gone out to them and see what has been....?"
Rodwell Ferguson, Minister of Transport, Youth and Sports
"The chairman is doing an excellent job in Red Bank and people appreciate it."
Reporter
"So there is no sort of giving away of lands? So why would they think that this is happening?"
Rodwell Ferguson, Minister of Transport, Youth and Sports
"Because its political. Ivan is also running for political office. He will find everything to destroy myself of destroy the constituency, but have no fear - if you want to go and research and see of there is any land grab by children."
Reporter
"So they are not getting additional land?"
Rodwell Ferguson, Minister of Transport, Youth and Sports
"Not that I know of. You can do your research. I don't know."
Reporter
"Would you be interested in finding out as opposed to something that was done by a former politician in the previous administration saying that they don't know what their son was doing in essence."
Rodwell Ferguson, Minister of Transport, Youth and Sports
"As I was saying my son and my children are big people, they're over 18 years old, so whatever they do is their own accord. If you as the press want to go and do your research, you go to the lands office and do your research."
Reporter
"But you would not endorse any illegality in obtaining land?"
Rodwell Ferguson, Minister of Transport, Youth and Sports
"No, ma'am."
