Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall along with Minister of Public Affairs, Kwame McCoy, yesterday met squatters at Sarah Johanna, East Bank Demerara in another bid to resolve a land controversy there.
Squatters have occupied approximately four acres of transported land said to be owned by Rafiek Baksh. The owner is currently 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 settle the matter.
“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,” Nandlall told DPI.
But not everyone was receptive to the Government’s offer.
“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.”
According to DPI, the AG noted that the private property was protected by the Constitution and there is only so much the Government could do. He also said 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.
The meeting is a follow-up to an October visit by McCoy and Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues.
During that visit Rodrigues provided the squatters the opportunity to register for house lots.
