Dear Editor,
Too many wrongs have become entrenched in this country. These ‘wrongs’ are so common and established, they seem like ‘rights.’ A quick list of some of them would include illegal vending, the selling of ‘joints,’ touting, making lewd remarks at passers-by, urinating anywhere, squatting and overloaded trucks. I have grave concerns about the latter two.
Editor, for months now the residents of Annandale (Marshon) have been imploring that something be done about the squatting in Marshon, specifically on the Marshon Playfield. Now I even read a slight defence of it by the editor of one of the dailies. This says to me that even learned and decent people have been sucked into ‘righting’ a ‘wrong.’ The situation has not changed, and the squatters are more than emboldened – the (smelly) fishing business has escalated, both nasally and financially, drinking sessions are normal, and now even the erecting of concrete structures is being witnessed. These squatters mean business. It is like ‘we have a right.’ And to me they do.
This is because the relevant authorities have done nothing whatsoever. The housing sector will wait, maybe until another election season; the environmental agency may tarry until another rice mill goes up; and the police will only stop the noise when there is a murder or so. This is how a place can degenerate. It also helps to explain why the last elections went the way they did. These kinds of activities, allowed to fester, keep the many good ones from being supportive. I dare say that Annandale has a lot of good people. However, the response (to do right) is not being manifested at all. There is a complete ‘I do not care a dam’ attitude from those in authority. I am furious.
The Minister (Housing) and his cohorts are traversing in and out of Guyana, and good people have to smell fish, put up with noise and watch their children suffer inconvenience. I mean this playfield was once a swampy marsh. People all the way from Berbice came with equipment to make the ground habitable and amenable to playful activities. This was manifested when the villagers held a cultural event on the plot. Now, the spot is being unfairly and illegally invaded.
I ask once again for the law to take precedence. I ask for the right thing to be done. These squatters must go. I hope that this plea falls on good, listening ears and caring hearts.
The next thing that is really mind-boggling is that many roads in Annandale which were only recently done are in a state of erosion. The three access roads (Big Trench and the two cross streets) are in a bad way. At one point the one close to Buxton is almost impassable. I mean the thing has a few caves. This was brought to public attention, and yet the authorities have done nothing. How about what is happening at the Market Street and High School Road? Big, overloaded trucks are sinking the road, creating potholes, and at the same time impeding the flow of traffic. This situation too was highlighted, but nothing has been done so far. I guess some people are above the law, or maybe I am naïve. It could be that someone somewhere is really getting something special from the hands of these lawbreakers.
Editor, I am most upset. I hope for an early response. Or will these ‘wrongs’ become ‘rights?’
Yours faithfully,
Shane Rizwan
Editor’s note
We are sending a copy of this letter to Minister Irfaan Ali for any comment he might wish to make.
