Caricom Rice Mills clarifies land ownership dispute in Guyana

Caricom Rice Mills has issued a statement addressing social media claims regarding land parcels in the Somerset and Berks area on the Essequibo Coast. The company asserts it remains the registered proprietor of the lands and that title has never been transferred to any other party.

The company explained that in January 2017, previous owners entered into private sale agreements with certain individuals to raise funds. These agreements required the payment of a balance within six months to transfer title. However, the balances were never paid, the agreements were never completed, and no purchaser ever obtained possession of the land.

Caricom Rice Mills noted that the claimants have taken no legal steps to enforce the agreement or lodge cautions against the land for nearly a decade. While the company was legally entitled to forfeit the initial deposits, it has instead refunded the full amounts to demonstrate good faith. The company emphasized that this is a private legal matter governed by Guyanese law and does not involve the government or political actors.