The media has recently reported that NFP Leader Prem Singh has called for the imposition of a moratorium on the eviction of tenant farmers whose leases have expired.
NLTB's comments on the matter are as follows:
NLTB and landowners are not evicting tenant farmers whose leases have expired. On the contrary such farmers are normally given the opportunity to take up 50-year residential leases over their house sites if their agricultural leases are not renewed. The decision to take up such residential leases is entirely their individual choice.
By its very nature a lease has a commencement date as well as an expiry date. As such the expiration of leases can never be put on hold, as suggested. There appears to be a view that the solution to our land problem would be to have leases with indefinite periods or terms. Such a stance is totally unrealistic and misleading. Tenants must be educated that leases will one day expire and to be prepared for such an outcome.
A moratorium as suggested by the NFP Leader is totally unnecessary in view of what is stated above. Such a moratorium, if enforced, may infringe on the rights of landowners, and for that NLTB and Government could face the wrath of landowners
