By Mark DaCosta- Amidst ongoing concerns over land governance and equitable access in our nation, the Alliance For Change (AFC) has outlined an ambitious land use and distribution policy aiming to secure rights for citizens by birth. This proposal is critical in light of the contentious political environment under the current administration, which has faced accusations of land mismanagement and favouritism towards certain sectors of the population.
The AFC’s policy primarily seeks to ensure that every citizen born in our country is guaranteed a piece of land for housing upon reaching adulthood. This initiative is framed as a measure to protect the rights of those with deep-rooted ties to our nation, specifically targeting individuals with at least three generations of lineage here. Such stipulations highlight the AFC’s aim to curb the influence of recently naturalised citizens and foreign investors who may undermine local heritage and equitable land allocation. The party deems that allowing only those with longstanding ties to our country the right to claim land is vital in preserving national identity and ensuring fair governance.
The pressing need for land reform is underscored by the AFC’s commitment to tackling systemic issues, including political corruption, ineffective land titling, and exploitation of resources by elites. In its robust policy framework, the AFC indicated that it would implement a series of transparency measures to combat nepotism and ensure that the allocation of land is conducted fairly. They propose a Land Transparency Law mandating public disclosure of all land concessions, an open-access digital registry, and competitive bidding processes to further level the playing field. This stands in stark contrast to the practices observed under the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), which has been accused of opaque decision-making processes and favouring certain political associates.
The proposed policy also emphasises the importance of protecting the rights of indigenous people. The AFC insists on embedding Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) into land governance, aligning with international standards such as the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. They call for a moratorium on new mining concessions on lands that await title, aiming to uphold the rights of Amerindian communities that have long faced neglect and dispossession under current governance.
The situation is compounded by the rampant illegal mining activities, often occurring unchecked within indigenous territories, causing environmental degradation and social strife. The AFC has advocated for cancelling these illegal concessions to restore ancestral lands and promote sustainable practices that benefit local communities rather than the elite. “We must enforce accountability and ensure that the wealth derived from our resources goes back to the people,” an AFC representative stated, stressing the need for responsible stewardship over our nation’s resources.
As the ruling PPP continues its controversial policies, many fear that without significant reform and oversight, disparities in land ownership will worsen, ultimately fostering an environment conducive to further inequity and disenfranchisement. The AFC’s plan represents a rejection of the status quo, prioritising local voices and governance that engages citizens directly in the processes that affect their lives and livelihoods.
While the AFC’s proposed land policy may hold the promise of reform, it also serves as a stark reminder of the need for robust accountability mechanisms in our national governance. The party’s focus on generational equity and local empowerment challenges the ruling regime, drawing attention to the pressing need for fair land distribution, sustainable development, and the safeguarding of our country’s natural resources.
This proposed overhaul has the potential to reshape land ownership and create a more just society, provided it overcomes the resistance from a government that has repeatedly shown a disinterest in the pressing needs of ordinary citizens. As our nation continues to grapple with these critical issues, the call for transparency and accountability in land governance grows louder than ever, affirming the right of every Guyanese to a fair stake in the land they call home.
