Opposition spokesperson on information and justice, Donna Scott Mottley, has expressed concerns following a recent announcement by Justice Minister Delroy Chuck that the Government will be selling lands left behind by individuals who die without leaving a will.

According to Scott Mottley, this move by the Government raises significant questions about transparency, fairness, and the protection of the rights of natural beneficiaries.

“These concerns underscore the potential for abuse and the unjust distribution of assets in cases where individuals die intestate,” she said.

Acknowledging that intestacy is a complex issue and the importance for the Government to address these issues, Scott Mottley says it is equally important for due diligence to be done in the process being pursued by the government.

Scott Mottley is, therefore, calling upon the Government to outline the process for disposing of intestate lands by way of a comprehensive and detailed plan regarding how these lands will be disposed of.

She says it is essential that the process adheres to the rule of law, ensuring that the rights of individuals and their heirs are protected.

Scott Mottley is also calling for the government to prioritise natural beneficiaries, immediate family members, or dependents not accounted for in the table of distribution, who should be given first preference to purchase the lands.

She is also urging the Government to outline the valuation mechanism that will be used to determine the value of these properties and clarify the process and timeline for which the properties will be advertised for sale.

The opposition spokesperson on justice says the Government needs to provide answers to these questions and address the concerns surrounding this new policy.