REVEREND GARNETT Roper, one of the beneficiaries of government lands for which the Land Divestment Committee was not consulted, has said that he acquired his property fairly.

The lease of the lands, five acres located in Bernard Lodge, St Catherine, was approved by Dean Peart, who was minister of land and environment at the time.

The approved price was $15,000 per annum over 25 years with five-yearly rent reviews.

Rejections

"I reject as false and without foundation any suggestion that I have benefited improperly from government land," Roper said.

"I also reject as an inappropriate use of Parliament and the media to seek to sully the good name of persons regarded as the political opponents of the Government," Roper added.

Meanwhile, yesterday's publication of The Gleaner had incorrectly named Roger Clarke as the minister who had responsibility for land at the time.

Also, Dr Carlton Hay, of NHL engineering, contacted The Gleaner yesterday to say that he was not the Carlton Haye who is listed in the minister's report as having been allowed to lease lots at Bernard Lodge, St Catherine.

Procedure for the divestment of Crown lands

1. Commissioner of Lands requests a valuation from the Land Valuation Department and information with respect to sustainability from agencies such as the National Environmental and Planning Agency.

2. The minister is informed of the recommendations.

3. The National Land Divestment Committee is required to review the recommendations and advise the minister.

4. The minister determines the sale price and may stipulate the conditions for which land may be used. He may consult with whomever he wises before making his decision.

5. The ministry transmits the minster's decision to the commissioner of lands

6. If the minister has approved the divestment, the commissioner of lands issues a letter confirming sale/lease to the applicant.

7. Once the terms and conditions have been agreed to, a formal sale agreement is prepared for the signature of the parties involved.