The Grenada government has again denied allegations that it intends to sell approximately 30 acres of the Grand Etang Forest Reserve to a Russian investor. Health and Social Security Minister Nickolas Steele, speaking at the end of the weekly Cabinet meeting, said that the Keith Mitchell government is categorically denying holding talks with investors. “At this point in time, we can say categorically there is no discussion on lands for sale, in Grand Etang, lease of lands in Grand Etang, or for the future contemplation of any lands for sale for lease in the Grand Etang reserve area or any of the adjoining lands at all,” Steele said. “There is absolutely no discussion with any foreign investor or any local investor concerning Grand Etang lands,” he added. Last week, leader of the main opposition National Democratic Party (NDP), Nazim Burke, called on the government to clear the air on the matter. Reading from the Ordinance which established the reserve, Burke said it is clear what the purpose of the law was when it was approved by the legislature. “All the lands aforesaid shall forever hereafter form part of the government land and shall be strictly reserved and set apart for the public purposes of forest conservation. This therefore implies that the government has no right to sell these lands because they are protected according to the law,” Burke said. Last week, Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell denied that his administration had sold part of the 4,000-acre reserve, insisting that there is no offer or any proposal from anyone, whether local or foreign, to develop the area. And Steele insisted that the reports of selling land in the Grand Etang were false. “Absolutely no discussions and absolutely no intention by this government to contemplate, the lease or sale of any of those said lands,” he told reporters. Source: ja observer