Family conflict over government land

A piece of government land was given under my custody many years ago. This happened right after my parents passed away, since all my siblings had been abroad for more than 20 years and could not make use of the terrain.

A few years ago, the government made an announcement that all of those who have in their possession a piece of its land must register it. Like everyone else, I went to the Lands Department and filled up all the necessary forms. Along with the application, I paid Lm50, had an architect draw up the requisite plans, spending a lot of money to do so, and had to take an oath declaring that I had worked the land for more than two years, as written in the regulations, so that I could make use of it without any trouble from outsiders.

However, no changes have been made by the authorities with regards to this, excluding the certificate I received from the department concerned wherein it is stated that I had filled in the application. Nevertheless I can quite understand that the department mentioned has a lot of other work to do and is doing its utmost to perform the required duties.

Recently, one of my siblings came to Gozo for a holiday, after being abroad for more than 35 years, and he argued that he has a right to part of the land. Nonetheless, when I went to the Lands Department, I was told that those who are abroad do not have a share of it. This is quite logical, since how could that person make use of the land when he has been out of the country for nearly all his life, and is planning to go overseas again? Moreover, if he had some right to it, would there not be abuses concerning the land when he departs? As far as I know, the government's lands cannot be neglected. In addition, they cannot be given over to others to take care of. After all, no one does a favour without expecting another one in return.

Therefore, I make an appeal to the minister concerned to intervene as soon as possible, especially with regards to the issue I have just mentioned. This is because a lot of conflict among siblings is arising, in particular with those who come to these islands for a short period of time. There are a lot of other people who have found themselves in the same situation as mine.