Sarah Johanna squatters get further gov’t assistance to relocate

─some residents refuse aid

─law to run its course

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Hon. Mohabir Anil Nandlall along with Minister of Public Affairs, Hon. Kwame McCoy, today met squatters at Sarah Johanna, East Bank Demerara in another attempt to resolve a land controversy there.

Squatters have occupied approximately four acres of transported land owned by Mr. Rafiek Baksh. The owner is seeking the use of his land and has asked the squatters to relocate, but many have been reluctant to do so. In light of this, the Government stepped in to help resolve the issue.

[from left] Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Hon. Mohabir Anil Nandlall and Minister of Public Affairs within the Office of the Prime Minister, Hon. Kwame McCoy, address some of the squatters’ concerns.

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Hon. Mohabir Anil Nandlall, engages the squatters.

Some of the structures erected by squatters on the land.

Some of the structures erected by squatters on the land.

“There is a dispute here involving about 24 families who are squatting on private property. […]  The Government through the Ministry of Housing has offered house lots to these persons who are in occupation of the private property,” Minister Nandlall told DPI.

But not everyone was receptive to the Government’s offer of an expedited application process.

“Unfortunately, they are not all in agreement,” the AG said. “The Government remains ready to relocate the squatters once they are prepared to be relocated and we have that offer open.”

The AG noted that the Constitution protects the owner’s private property and there is only so much the Government could do. He added that if persons refuse to move it is up to the landowner to consult his attorney and choose whatever legal options are available to him.

Minister McCoy also engaged the squatters and collected information from those who were more receptive to the Government’s offer.

The meeting is a follow-up to an October visit by Minister McCoy and Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Hon. Susan Rodrigues.

During that visit Minister Rodrigues provided the squatters the opportunity to register for house lots.

Mr. Abdool Azim, the power-of-attorney for the landowner, was present at both meetings and produced the transport for the land.