NLTB’S POSITION ON MATTERS RELATING TO
STANDARD CONCRETE INDUSTRIES’ LEASES AT LAQERE

The Native Land Trust Board wishes to state clearly that it cannot and won’t condone the actions which this group of landowners have taken. I assure all tenants who hold valid leases on native land as well as on reverted Schedule A and B land that their leases are protected by law and will continue to be so.

In the case of Standard Concrete Industries, the company currently holds two separate leases at Laqere. One lease (state lease) was issued by the Lands Department on state freehold land over a total area of 25 acres 2 roods 12 perches (25 years from 1/5/1980) while the other (native lease) was issued by the Board on native land over an area of 6 acres I rood 16 perches (30 years from 1/7/1994).

Majority of the company’s operation, including extraction of rocks and all its office administration blocks are located on the state lease from Government and the general public, including NLTB and the landowners, have to respect and give the lessee (Standard Concrete Industries) the right to use and peaceful enjoyment of its lease.

On the native land portion, the Board wish to confirm that the company has fully complied with all the terms and conditions of the current lease, including the payment of annual rental (over $$26,000.00) and royalties amounting to over $91,000.00 during the current term of the lease.

The Board, however, will not be part of any illegal action, which has been provoked apparently by people with ulterior selfish motives. We invite the landowners to call in and discuss with us any matters, which they wish clarified.