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Home Columns Mark’s Take

Squatting Out of Necessity: How PPP’s Actions Deepen Generational Trauma

Admin by Admin
January 25, 2026
in Mark’s Take
Dr. Mark Devonish

Dr. Mark Devonish

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Notwithstanding the decades past, this trauma unforgivable, still registers as distressing. For this was confronted as a child, the painful reality of our home having fallen off it’s support. However, aware we were, the supporting beams were so fragile, that buckled they would’ve under a feather’s weight. But with money sparse, remedying was placed in the column of nonessential. Which meant, that day was inevitable, the supporting beams buckling, cottage collapsing to the floor with dehiscence walls.

But this horror story was with many more chapters. For a cousin, from the comfort of his inheritance, coveted what we inherited. Which meant, the Courts he pursued for redress, ignorant that such matters generally have a lazy course through the Judicial System. Thus, out of desperation to covet what wasn’t his, the nuclear option became his second option—Encircling our collapsed home with a dam. Where this was his sinister intent—Whenever it rained, the dam would impede the outflow of water, hence flooding our home. Then with the water at a critical level, the snakes among other water creatures, would seek residence in our already cramped shack.

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However, evil was he, ensuring pain was inflicted from multiple directions. Thus, he erected a urinal in the proximity of our sleeping area. But urinals should be with continuous running water, not his, since his intent was to continuously burn our lungs with the toxic fumes of ammonia. All in the name of greed. A property he cannot take to his grave.

Thus, when it was brought to my eyes, by way of social media, PPP visiting Success with Noah floods, reminiscent of our Princess Street Home being flooded, it agonised my heart. But this was further exacerbated, when re-traumatised I was at the destruction of many Linden homes, by the wicked hands of PPP. Which meant, self therapy was extended, and further extended with the unforgivable destruction of Mocha homes. As a result, I not only mourn but also query;

What pathological processes could’ve made humans so inhumane?

Why when PPP racist demons raise their ugly heads, Blacks are always the victims?

When will our eyes open to the reality that we are facing economic annihilation?

How long will we continue to give these PPP businesses our monies?

When squatting is legal

However this we recall. When our monies built their roads. Our monies installed their electrical cables. Our moneys installed their telecommunication cables. Our monies installed their internet cables. Our monies cleared our lands. Our monies built the foundations for their mansions and swimming pools. Then with the lands prepared, Bharat Jagdeo took his piece. Mark Philips took his piece. Priya Manickchand took her piece. Shalimar Ali-Hack took her piece. They all took their piece at below market value. Thus, they are all squatting, barring Shalimar Ali-Hack, who paid monies owed.

Then Gerry ‘the bush pilot’ Gouveia got a piece. A humongous piece that carries the name Cara Lodge. That was also sold at way below market value. For many more, who support the red, are guaranteed their piece. Why? Because for them, squatting is legal.

Act of necessity

Thus, this concept we must examine. The concept of act of necessity. For this speaks to an individual or state having the privilege, out of necessity, to take or use the property of another. Where in such a case, the court may grant this privilege to a trespasser when the risk of harm to said individual or society is apparently and reasonably greater than the harm to the property. However, unlike the privilege of self-defense, those who are harmed by individuals invoking the necessity privilege are usually free from any wrongdoing.

Thus to deconstruct, I would humbly proffer, from a non-legal mind, that providing a home for our children to escape the elements, is a necessity. Further, I would assert, it’s the responsibility of a Government to make available, such homes or lands for all and not a selected few. Therefore, with a Government failing at it’s responsibility, the masses are compelled, out of necessity, to seek their own homes- The birth of squatting.

Thus, this our next test, which scenario will result in greater harm?

The process of squatting?

Not having a home?

Clearly, the masses without homes would experience more harm.

As a result, we apply this act of necessity to PPP. For they argue, a road through Mocha needs to be constructed, thus the Mocha homes need to be destroyed, to facilitate this. However, that’s not the case, which means their destructive acts were not out of necessity. They were out of greed, like my cousin. For the new road will positively impact property prices, which PPP would rather have for their Pradoville 3.

However, the inescapable fact, without homes, squatting out of necessity is pervasive. But from the actions of PPP, the uninformed would erroneously conclude that squatting is restricted to Blacks.

Thus, I revisit those experiences as a rambunctious lad, being counselled about the dangers of being right but yet wrong. For PPP may argue that legally they are right, of which we wouldn’t concur, but are they morally and ethically right? As a result, we beg to know, with such a racially sensitive dispute, why weren’t the Courts engaged?

Mental scars

Now my heart aches for those children who witnessed their houses being demolished by demolition excavators. Witnessed their bedrooms being demolished. Witnessed their comfort toy being destroyed. Witnessed their play yard being demolished. Witnessed their bridges being demolished, to impede all entrances and exits. Witnessed mud being weaponised, to block doors. Witnessed their friends being ripped away. For what they have witnessed, years to come, these very children will be burdened by mental scars. But PPP careless.

This article first appeared as “Mocha Misery”

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