Dear Editor,
The Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission has observed some gross inaccuracies published by Stabroek News in an article in its edition dated Sunday, November 25, 2012. The article first of all mentions that the community of squatters numbers about 50 houses. It would appear as if they have included persons who have legal status, since the commission is currently dealing with no more than fifteen structures and fenced plots. Yarowkabra has many persons with legal status who would have gone through the right procedures to obtain a lease and are currently living there.
During Thursday’s exercise, only three structures were demolished; these were not occupied or were in a state of incompletion; eight fences were also taken down. Persons could not have been living in those since there were no furnishings or utensils or anything that reflected habitation.
The shop referred to in the article was actually constructed after the notices were served and Mr Trotman was warned when it was observed that he was building. He proceeded to threaten the officers and continued construction; again this structure was empty. Why would someone commence construction even after being given a notice? This can only be total disregard for legal authority.
It is not the commission’s policy to attack individuals, but to deal with issues. However, in the case of Mr Trotman, it should be pointed out that we have had several problems with him regarding squatting in the past. The statement that Mr Trotman owns Yarowkabra Creek is erroneous. He does not have a lease for that location. He is squatting on the road reserve and buffer zone, where persons are charged for parking and the use of some benabs.
Leases do not include creeks since there is always a 66 feet reserve to the creek. The said location is a site applied for by a Dutch national by the name of Latchmansingh some years ago to build a water theme park. Mr Trotman was paid off by Latchmansingh and he removed, but returned to the area after Latchmansingh encountered difficulties and had to leave. No demolition was conducted in this area during the exercise.
Mr Trotman also squatted at Red Water Creek and was removed. He is currently squatting on this new area and his wife is squatting on yet another plot. It appears to be a case of land speculation where they occupy, get regularized then they sell. Mr Trotman has over the years shown complete disregard for the commission. He was also found to have been blocking the flow of the Yarowkabra Creek in order to maintain the water level during dry weather.
The commission also does not have a request from the named developer for the said lands referred to, and that statement seems to be a fabrication to cause mischief.
The officers sent on the exercise are all responsible professionals and were given clear instructions and no attempt was made to evacuate children. These squatters would make all kinds of statements to justify their actions. They would even go to the extent of bringing children from other locations to make their case. The commission is not refusing anyone land, but procedures must be followed and persons cannot randomly choose locations; allocations are made by the commission.
Yours faithfully,
Enrique Monize
Manager
Land Administration Division
Editor’s note
The first half of the SN report consists largely of the contents of an email from Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment Robert Persaud, who forwarded a response from the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission on the issue. Much of this response was carried verbatim.
