‘Land grabbers’ will be prosecuted – Govt

The A Partnership for National Unity+Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Government has once again warned the defiant land grabbers against their unlawful activity as it urged those persons to simply apply for house lots, warning that lands squatted on after January 1, 1998 would not be regularised.

Since the announcement that the APNU+AFC Government has won the 2015 General and Regional Elections, hundreds of Guyanese strangely began combing their areas for unoccupied lands to start squatting.

The defiant land grabbers have already declared their reluctance to stop, claiming that the Government, particularly new President David Granger, promised to represent the rights of the poor people; therefore, they believe claiming these unoccupied lands would mean the new Administration will have to allow them to keep it if they truly intend to fulfil their promises.

But the Administration explained that residents will not be legally allowed to own the lands thereafter this bizarre, “systematic” land grabbing exercise.

The Government reiterated that squatting is an illegal act and as such, persons may be liable for prosecution under the relevant Act.

The Granger-led administration has since been assuring residents that there was no need for such illegal activities as it assured all Guyanese that everyone will have fair and equitable access to lands.

The Government pleaded with the disenchanted citizens to simply apply to the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) for house lots.

“Guyanese will be given fair and equitable access to land under Government’s land distribution policy. As such, CH&PA is requesting persons to desist from squatting and have patience as Government implements its policy,” the statement read.

Aside from issuing warnings against the instances of squatting, the Government also embarked upon other measures in an effort to bring an immediate halt to the exercise.

“Behind Diamond Housing Scheme, where there is empty land, has been the most sought area for land grabbers. CH&PA has since placed a sign board on the open space notifying the public that trespassers will be prosecuted,” the statement noted.

CH&PA will also be closely monitoring certain areas to ensure persons do not unlawfully occupy the lands.

The areas targeted to be monitored are Government reserves and leased lands in villages like Sophia, Mon Repos, Enmore, Haslington, Nabaclis, Hope, Experiment and Bush Lot.