Senior Counsel Roysdale Forde has expressed dissatisfaction with President Irfaan Ali’s “political gimmicks” in handling Guyana’s housing needs. The shadow attorney general and minister of legal affairs said Ali’s recent distribution of house lots, while on visit to the United States of America and broadcast on social media platforms, was mere “photo opportunity.”
The member of parliament said whilst on the surface nothing seemed to be wrong with that action, from a governance perspective it does appear to be incredibly worrying the President would become so actively involved in the distribution of house lots, particularly, in circumstances where a Central Housing and Planning Authority, with a mammoth budget, has full powers and responsibility to manage and administrate such matters.
“It is clear, to me, as I am sure, to all right- thinking Guyanese, that the aiding of distribution of house lots by the president overseas is a blatant political manoeuvre aimed at garnering support rather than addressing the real housing needs of the population.”
Adding to growing condemnation the presidency is being trivialised under Ali’s leadership and the absence of a national development plan by the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Forde said the government is seeking to create the illusion of progress while neglecting the pressing issues of housing.
“Such actions not only divert attention from genuine development initiatives but also deepen public disillusionment with the political process. In fact, there are thousands of Guyanese who have applied online and visited Guyana for house lots and have not received replies from the Central Housing and Planning Authority.”
Forde drew attention to the fact that inspite of Guyana’s vast expanse of land and wealth, homeownership and proper infrastructural development remain elusive for many ordinary Guyanese.
According to the parliamentarian “while certain segments of the population benefit from land allocation schemes, many Guyanese are left without access to adequate housing. Many are still squatting on drainage reserves, without the rudimentary elements of proper sanitation, in different parts.” The existing situation he said continues to exacerbate negative environmental circumstances, perpetuating socio- economic inequalities and hindering overall development.
Skewering the government for an absence of a national vision, Forde said what appears more evident is a subtle strategy to construct new roads to open up lands for party supporters while marginalising minorities. This, he said, underscores government’s commitment to political expediency over inclusive development.
“By favouring specific constituencies, the incumbent not only exacerbates social divisions but also undermines the principles of fairness and justice. Such discriminatory practices further alienate marginalised communities and breed resentment, destabilising the very social fabric of the nation.
The member of parliament warned government its actions have far- reaching social implications, could exacerbate existing tensions and widen the gap between different segments of society. The marginalisation of certain groups from land allocation and infrastructure development perpetuates cycles of poverty and exclusion, fueling discontent and disenchantment among the populace, he asserted.
Forde wants to see government fast track land acquisition for Guyanese equally as it does for hundreds of foreign investors for land acquisition in Guyana.
“I believe that the government must provide similar facility for those Guyanese who wish to return home for business and repatriations. Indeed, I urge all Guyanese living in the Caribbean, United States, Europe and elsewhere in the international community who wish to receive house lots to apply to central Housing and Planning Authority.”
Referencing stats that should inform national policy in dealing with the housing need and adverting public health challenges that usually follow if it is ignored the member of parliament is calling for less talk more constructive action. He said reports suggest that by 2034 new immigrants and their Guyanese born children will outnumber the current 2024 population of 800,000 Guyanese citizens.
According to him, a new projected population in 2034 will be around two million people of which half would be new immigrants and their Guyanese born families. “Therefore, we must not allow the PPP/C government to be biased, unfair and unjust with land distribution and allocation to our citizens.”
