Dear Editor,
I was quite aghast when I read the headline that “Sophia squatters hold protest outside National Assembly.” This kind of silly and wasteful exercise is totally uncalled for. It has no merit, as squatting, like the term implies, is illegal, and also it is the avenue to all kinds of health and environmental problems. What irks me is that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic has been, from inception, going way out to help squatters relocate, in order to bring dignity, orderliness and growth in their livelihood. I ask, who, in their right minds, will not subject themselves to this kind of operation?
I go back to one example, late last year. It was when Housing Minister, Collin Croal, explained in detail to the families occupying a government reserve at Success, East Coast Demerara, that the land regularization process takes time, but it is assured. On that occasion, it was clearly spelled out that “… the government is committed to addressing squatting in a structured manner.” Look at what was clearly communicated: “Some of you have occupied these lands for more than 20 years. We are mandated to address squatting, and we are working. We have completed logging of squatting areas in Region Three and will soon commence this exercise in Region Four”
The plan is actually a national one, and it is designed to empower the homeless nation-wide. I mean how gullible can some people be? I iterate that there was no need for these squatters from a section of Sophia in Georgetown to hold this two-day protest outside the Arthur Chung Conference Centre. Their grouse is uncalled for. I mean everyone ought to know that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government in Guyana has been and still is actively conducting land regularization and formalizing informal settlements (squatting areas) across several regions, with a focus on Regions 3, 4, 6, and 10 as of late 2024 and 2025. In fact, since 2020, over 1,571 housing lots in 17 areas have been regularized. The goal is so wholesome, as it is about providing land titles, improving living conditions, and granting access to public utilities. The overall policy however is that the government will not recognize new squatting areas, focusing instead on existing ones. As a needful caveat, lot allocation is a well-established phenomenon in Guyana, and there is no moratorium on that.
A word of shame then on Member of Parliament, Coretta McDonald, and her few colleagues, who stood in solidarity with residents of Sophia. When these had a chance to do something about housing for squatters, they proved abysmally woeful, uncaring and oblivious. Now they are chief agents provocateurs and firebrands.
Editor, illegal squatting presents many severe dangers to property owners, communities, and the squatters themselves, ranging from significant financial losses and legal entanglements to physical safety hazards. In terms of health, it presents health hazards of all types, to both the occupiers and the surrounding community due to unsafe, unhygienic, and often hazardous living environments. These include, but are not limited to, exposure to infectious diseases, structural dangers, lack of basic sanitation, and environmental hazards.
I ask therefore that these squatters ‘smarten up.’ They need to ‘get with the programme’ and in time, they will be better off-physically, financially, and environmentally, and as a matter of fact, a salubrious milieu is beckoning.