Attorney General Critiques Opposition for Misleading Squatters

Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, SC, has criticized the Parliamentary Opposition for allegedly misleading several squatters whom the Government had been trying to relocate for the construction of the Heroes Highway. Following a High Court ruling that dismissed the squatters’ claims, many are now left homeless and disillusioned.

Nandlall remarked, “They have five lawyers in the Parliament. None of them appeared for these people! No known PNC lawyers appeared for these individuals that [Opposition Leader Aubrey] Norton promised he would represent, and that the Opposition would support!” He made these statements during his “Issues in the News” program on Tuesday.

The Chief Justice, Roxane George, SC, ruled against the squatters last Friday, stating they failed to substantiate their claims regarding prescriptive titles, property damage, and constitutional violations. The court awarded costs against the squatters, totaling $2 million, to be paid by June 30, 2025.

Represented by attorneys Vivian M. Williams and Lyndon Amsterdam, the squatters—Mark Gordon, Shenika Simpson, Roxane Allen, and Lucretia George—sought over $200 million in damages, along with declarations of ownership and compensation for alleged breaches of their constitutional rights.

In January 2023, the Government demolished several homes in Mocha-Arcadia to facilitate the Heroes Highway construction. Despite offers for relocation and compensation dating back to 2021, some residents resisted, leading to a standoff and subsequent legal action.

While approximately 28 individuals were relocated and compensated by the Government, those who challenged the government’s actions in court were reportedly encouraged by members of the Parliamentary Opposition. Nandlall stated that these residents were “used and abused” by political figures.

He emphasized, “The Leader of the Opposition and many members of the Opposition used this as a platform for politics… I have not heard any statement from them regarding assistance for those who are now homeless.” He urged the public to be wary of becoming political pawns.

Nandlall hopes this ruling serves as a warning to other squatters, asserting, “You have no right, no interest, or no title for that land!” He clarified that property owners have the legal right to remove squatters without necessarily needing a court order.

Despite the legal defeat, the Government has expressed a willingness to assist those who filed the challenge. Justice George remarked that it is up to the applicants to engage respectfully for the assistance to be effective.

The Government’s legal team included Attorney General Mohabir Anil Nandlall, SC, MP; Deputy Solicitor General Shoshanna V. Lall; and State Counsel Shania S. Persaud, Mohanie Sudama, and Marnice Hestick. The CH&PA was represented by Darshan Ramdhani, KC, and Arudranauth Gossai, while GuySuCo was represented by Kamal Ramkarran and Rafiq Khan, SC. The squatters were represented by attorneys Vivian M. Williams and Lyndon Amsterdam.