IDPADA-G condemns government high-handedness in forcing citizens off land

The International Decade for People of African Descent Assembly – Guyana (IDPADA-G) said it has observed the Government has embarked on another infrastructure project, namely, a four-lane road on the Railway Embankment from Sheriff Street to Haslington on the East Coast. “We also note with concern that many of the citizens and communities who may be affected have not been properly notified in a timely manner and/or consulted as should be the standard practice.”

The organisation in a release noted even worse, potentially affected persons in Plaisance were not issued notices directly.  “Some persons received general notices stuck in their gates and elsewhere requesting that vending stalls, vehicles, tractor trailers, and other structures be removed within seven days of receipt of the notice. Notices were, however, not specifically addressed or delivered to any person.”

The government’s approach, IDPADA-G noted, reeks of the past and is heading on a course that is even worse than the treatment of the families, farmers and business persons in Mocha-Arcadia.

IDPADA-G expressed concern about a possible repeat of the Mocha Arcadia debacle and is urging the Government to take all necessary steps to avoid the untenable recurrence of that injustice.

Last January the Government swooped into the Mocha Arcadia area, accompanied by Police in full battle gear, and proceeded to demolish houses and businesses with the use of bulldozers and excavators. The damage was estimated to be in the tens of millions.

The residents’ plea not to destroy their possessions, including allowing them to get access to remove some household items were not given consideration by the government.

IDPADA-G is therefore calling on the Government to ensure that due process, standard norms, and humane, just, and equitable treatment be the hallmarks of their relationship with citizens and communities who will be affected by the road development project.

The organisation has also called for immediate consultations with all relevant stakeholders and regulatory bodies. “Every citizen who might be affected by this project should be consulted, given ample official notice, and provided sufficient means and assistance for the continued pursuit of their livelihoods and enjoyment of homesteads and related activities.”