In an unusual move, two neighbours entangled in an 18-year-land dispute were yesterday told to forgive each other, by a Court of Appeal judge.

"The court cannot solve all problems. Change has to come from within," Justice Alice Yorke-Soo Hon told the men.

Anthony Subero of Fifth Company, Moruga was before the court following a complaint brought by Ishmael Ali.

In court documents, Ali, of St Clement Village, San Fernando, said that Subero threw a bottle to endanger his life back in September 2007. Subero was convicted but appealed the sentence of $250 fine or in default three months in jail.

His attorney Keith Scotland appeared for him when the case came up for hearing in the San Fernando High Court yesterday.

Ali's brother Shaffiat Ali who also had a matter against Subero, but which was dismissed, was called before the court, during the hearing.

Shaffiat Ali said he and Subero were neighbours and they had been in a dispute for the past 18 years. Ishmael Ali admitted he was involved in the men's fracas because of Shaffiat.

Yorke-Soo Hon warned the men that the court could not keep intervening in every disagreement they may have.

"Do you all want to go to your graves like this?" Yorke-Soo Hon asked.

The men agreed they did not.

"If we are going to move forward, we have to put things of the past behind us. We will never be able to look forward if we're looking behind," she told them.

The judge said they should live in peace and suggested that they shake hands.

All three did.

They were also made to apologise.

"I'm sorry," Ishmael Ali said to Subero.

"If I did you any wrong, I am sorry," Subero responded.

Yorke-Soo Hon upheld Scotland's appeal and quashed the sentence against his client.

Justice of Appeal Rajendra Narine sat alongside Yorke- Soo Hon in the Court of Appeal yesterday. Ali was represented by attorney Subhas Panday. Scotland and attorney Asha Watkins appeared on Subero's behalf.