Logger seeks $74 million in damages from Barama

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Logger seeks $74 million in damages from Barama
Kaieteur News, 24 August 2007

A local holder of a timber concession, who claimed that two large
logging companies have trespassed on his land, erected buildings and
wharfs and destroyed his trees in the process, is claiming millions of
dollars in damages.

In a complex case that involves the Guyana Lands and Survey Commission
(GLSC), it was disclosed that permission was granted by that body for
the two timber companies to use the land, although the rights belonged
to Michael Cordis.

In a twist earlier this year after intense lobbying by an irate Cordis,
GLSC, as a form of settlement, opted to grant him 50 acres of land a
stone's throw from the one that was taken away.

Cordis is claiming $74 million in damages. He said Barama made an
initial $5 million offer, which he rejected.

The story started in 2001 when Cordis left his Cuyuni River farm in the
hands of his brother and went abroad for a while. In 1983, ten acres of
land, located about three quarters of a mile from Kartabu Point, Cuyuni
River , was granted to the Cordis family. According to Cordis, he is
not surprised that Barama was interested in the land. It is
strategically located around a semi-bend on the Cuyuni River , perfect
to build a wharf.

After leaving Guyana in 2001, Cordis said that he returned in 2005 and
went to Bartica to pay his land tax. However, to his surprise, he
learnt the land was being occupied by Barama and Guyana Sawmills.

On a visit to the place, he was shocked at the destruction. Almost all
his trees were gone and in place were offices, heavy duty equipment and
a wharf.

Asked why he was not made aware of the fact that Barama was on his land
while he was abroad, Cordis indicated that his family did not have his
address and he was confident that his brother whom he had left in
charge was taking care of things.

After several meetings with GLSC and an attempted settlement with
Barama and Guyana Sawmills, an agreement for settlement was reached in
February. GLSC agreed to lease 50 acres as a form of compensation.

However, getting Barama and Guyana Sawmills to pay compensation for
damage which in the first place they acknowledged proved difficult.
Earlier this year he managed a meeting with top officials of Barama in
which an offer of $5 million compensation was laid on the table. In
addition, a rent of $200,000 per month for the 28-plus acres was
promised.

“I tell them tek back the 50 acres and give me back my old land because
that offer mek no sense. Dey come in, tek over my land, destroy my
plants and offering that chicken feed.”

So Cordis countered with $25 million and a $400,000 per month rent.
Barama promised to get back to him after seeking approval from the head
office. A week passed and no word.

Cordis said that he returned to his 50 acres in the Cuyuni and a few
days later received a call from Barama. “Dey ask me where I was and
said hold on, they coming, that they get the approval from they head
office.”

Instead, three men came out of a boat later and met the farmer. “All
dem had guns in dey hands. Dey said that if I trespass on Barama land
again they will deal with me. Dem say also that I lost my court case
and I am not to mek any trouble.”

According to Cordis, he has no court case pending. All he has is a
settlement document that has to be approved by the court with the
parties present before a judge. However, it is impossible for this
phase to become a reality without all the parties agreeing to what is
to be settled.

Shortly after the incident with the gunmen, Cordis filed a report with
the police and while in Georgetown last month, saw one of the alleged
gunmen. He followed the man and on noticing two policemen, he alerted
them to the fact that the alleged gunman was wanted by police for
questioning.

This suspected gunman was arrested and then released about two days
later after denying that he had any gun in his possession. The alleged
gunman claimed that a lawyer (name given) had sent him.

Speaking with this newspaper, the lawyer indicated that he was acting
as a mediator. He flatly denied sending any gunman to Cuyuni River to
confront Cordis. Rather, the man was there to help Cordis come to an
amicable settlement with Barama.

The lawyer later explained that Cordis accused the man he sent of
having three guns, one of which was said to be a high-powered rifle.

The lawyer explained that the police have since abandoned the arms
charge.

Yesterday Kaieteur News spoke with Attorney Neil Boston of the Boston
and Boston law firm, which is representing Barama. Boston refuted
Cordis's claims that there was any kind of agreement to settle. Rather,
Barama is prepared to contest the matter in a court trial. The lawyer
declined to discuss specifics.