Increasingly evident zoning laws and local government regulations being disregarded

Dear Editor,

Several weeks ago, I wrote to your publication highlighting growing concerns regarding zoning policies and the rapid proliferation of commercial enterprises within designated residential areas, often in clear violation of established planning regulations.

More recently, staff of the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) issued a cease order to a Chinese-owned commercial establishment operating within the modest residential community of Bel Air, reportedly due to the absence of the requisite approval. This action, while necessary, raises several troubling questions.

First, were the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) and the CH&PA unaware of the project during its construction phase? If so, this points to a serious lapse in monitoring and enforcement responsibilities, particularly given that the Town and Country Planning Act, Cap. 20:01, mandates oversight of land use and development approvals from inception, not after completion.

Second, why was enforcement delayed until the project was fully constructed and operational? Selective or delayed enforcement undermines the credibility of regulatory institutions and imposes unnecessary economic and social costs on communities already burdened by unregulated development.

Your readers may recall that only months ago (September 26, 2025), the same CH&PA issued a cease order to a Chinese-owned commercial project on Brummell and Brickdam, during its construction phase. This demonstrates that early intervention is not only possible but has been previously exercised. The inconsistency in enforcement therefore warrants scrutiny.

As Chinese-owned businesses continue to proliferate across Guyana, often outside designated commercial zones, a fundamental question arises; were the necessary zoning and planning approvals granted in accordance with the law? If not, why are violations repeatedly tolerated until public outcry forces belated action?

It is increasingly evident that zoning laws and local government regulations are being disregarded, seemingly to accommodate central government interests and business associates. While I acknowledge the structural disadvantages faced by local democratic organs not aligned with the governing PPP/C, this does not absolve them of their statutory duty to enforce the law fairly and consistently (Municipal and District Councils Act, Cap. 28:01).

How much longer must Guyanese endure a system where government actors and their affiliates appear to operate above the law? Would Guyanese be permitted to flout zoning, construction, and business regulations in China, the United States, or elsewhere in the Caribbean? The unequivocal answer is no. We are required to comply fully with their laws, yet compliance at home appears optional for some.

This culture of lawlessness must end.

As Guyana enters 2026, I urge the CH&PA to finally table and operationalise comprehensive zoning regulations. It bears recalling that during the Coalition Government’s tenure, extensive stakeholder consultations on zoning and land-use planning were conducted. The groundwork has already been laid. There is no need to reinvent the wheel, only the political will and institutional maturity to implement what already exists.

Yours truly,
Annette Ferguson