Squatters near Joe Vieira Park told to relocate since November – Housing Ministry

See full statement from the Ministry of Housing:

The Ministry of Housing and the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) have taken note of recent public commentary regarding the relocation of informal settlers occupying lands within Joe Vieira Park, Region Three, and hereby issue the following clarification.

The action undertaken at Joe Vieira Park is a lawful enforcement measure executed pursuant to CH&PA’s statutory authority to administer, regulate, and protect State lands. The continued unauthorized occupation of these lands constitutes a clear breach of the laws governing public property and poses direct risks to environmental protection, land-use planning, and the orderly execution of national development initiatives. The Government will not permit the unlawful seizure or occupation of lands designated for public, environmental, or strategic national purposes.

Removal notices were duly issued on November 4, 2025, by the Malgre Tout/Meer-Zorgen NDC, formally advising occupants that their presence is unauthorized and that enforcement action would follow in the absence of voluntary compliance. The Authority’s subsequent intervention was therefore grounded in due process and consistent with established legal procedures.

Following engagement on January 13, 2026, thirteen (13) households were identified. To date, seven (7) households have been allocated residential house lots through the Ministry’s prescribed allocation system, with the remaining allocations actively progressing under a structured relocation framework.

The Government of Guyana maintains an unequivocal zero-tolerance policy towards squatting and the unlawful occupation of State lands. No individual or group may bypass the legal application process and expect regularization by virtue of illegal occupation. Such actions undermine fairness, equity, and the rule of law, particularly for thousands of citizens who have applied and are awaiting allocation through lawful channels.

While the Ministry remains committed to humane relocation and lawful housing solutions for eligible citizens, enforcement will continue wherever public lands, protected areas, or national projects are threatened. The rule of law will prevail.