AG Urges Citizens to Be Wary of Political Manipulation

In a comprehensive analysis of the recent ruling concerning the Mocha-Arcadia squatters, Minister of Legal Affairs and Attorney General (AG) Anil Nandlall emphasized that the state’s actions to evict the squatters from public lands were justified. During his weekly program, ‘Issues in the News,’ he reiterated the necessity of adhering to the law and cautioned against being swayed by political forces.

Nandlall pointed out that the judgement clearly demonstrates that squatters possess no legal claim to the lands they occupy. He elaborated on the ownership history of the contested land, explaining that it originally belonged to the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), transitioned to the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL), and was ultimately transferred to the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA). This chain of ownership illustrates that the land was never privately owned.

“The claimants were unable to provide substantiating evidence for their assertions throughout the case,” he remarked. He noted that the government successfully validated its ownership, including that of GuySuCo and CH&PA, with little to no opposition. Furthermore, the state presented undeniable evidence showing that the claimants recognized the government’s title to the land.

Nandlall questioned the logic behind the claimants’ actions, stating, “If it is your property as you claim, why are you petitioning the state for regularization?” He explained that the legal team representing the squatters made significant errors, particularly by overlooking a law that prevents individuals from gaining prescriptive titles to government-owned lands. This law, an amendment to the Title to Land (Prescription and Limitation) Bill, means that unless claimants could prove ownership prior to its enactment, they had no legal standing.

He concluded that the state acted within its rights to remove the squatters, citing, “The law of Guyana is clear on this matter.” The AG urged current and potential squatters to heed this ruling, which clarifies their lack of legal entitlement to state lands and reinforces the government’s authority to evict them without facing liability.

Government Outreach Initiatives

Prior to the legal proceedings, Nandlall noted that notices were issued to individuals in the area as early as 2008, indicating the intention to use the land for a highway. When the present government assumed office, fresh notices were distributed, and discussions were held with the squatters. The government proposed alternative housing solutions and compensation, leading some individuals to accept the offers.

“The government allocated approximately $250 million in compensation to assist squatters in relocating, providing them with titled lands and homes,” he stated. However, seven individuals opted not to vacate, influenced by political opposition.

Opposition’s Role in the Crisis

Nandlall criticized the opposition, asserting that its leaders exploited the situation for political gain while neglecting to offer any real support to those affected. “I have not seen any statements from the opposition regarding how they plan to assist these now homeless individuals,” he remarked, highlighting the hypocrisy in their actions. He pointed out that the opposition leader had previously urged people not to leave the area, referring to it as “ancestral lands,” despite the legal system in Guyana not recognizing such a concept.

He stressed the absence of legal representation from opposition members during the court proceedings and noted that promises made by opposition leaders, including legal action against the government, were unfulfilled.

The AG also called attention to the International Decade for People of African Descent Association – Guyana (IDPADA-G), which had claimed it would provide assistance. He demanded accountability regarding the donations they solicited, questioning whether the funds were used for the intended purpose.

In closing, Nandlall remarked, “This situation exemplifies how politicians can manipulate individuals to serve their narrow political interests, only to abandon them once they’ve extracted what they need from the situation.” He urged citizens to remain vigilant and not to become pawns in political games.