By Mark DaCosta- The recent eviction of over 50 families in the Friendship squatting area on the East Bank of Demerara has ignited considerable public concern and condemnation from political leaders and community advocates alike. Sherod Duncan, a Member of Parliament representing the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), has voiced serious apprehensions over the humanitarian aftermath of these displacements, urging the government to take immediate action to support those impacted.
On March 17, 2026, Sherod Duncan, alongside fellow parliamentarian Saiku Andrews and community representatives, visited the site where families were forcibly removed from their homes. The scene presented to them was not merely one of legal disputes over land ownership but a heartbreaking tableau of suffering and uncertainty. Families found themselves suddenly uprooted, their belongings left strewn about, and children caught in the midst of instability, unsure of their next steps.
Duncan emphasised that while legal frameworks concerning land tenure and eviction protocols exist, the human cost associated with these actions must take precedence. Many of the affected families had established their lives in Friendship for years, only to face abrupt upheaval with little to no alternatives provided. “These are Guyanese families, many of whom have lived in the area for years, now facing sudden displacement,” Duncan stated, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
Concerns over the government’s commitment to its own proclaimed principle of “Putting People First” have arisen, particularly echoed within the recent 2026 Budget. The ambitious housing plans set forth by the government, aimed at constructing thousands of homes within the year, prompt the question of why these vulnerable families aren’t being prioritised in this national housing initiative. The expectation from the public is that humanitarian considerations should not be secondary to bureaucratic processes.
This distressing situation, described by Duncan as “manageable” with adequate political drive, points to the urgent need for collaboration between various governmental bodies. He called for an immediate and comprehensive response from the Ministry of Housing and Water and the Central Housing and Planning Authority, urging them to engage with affected families in a constructive manner. The plea is for decisive governmental action, ensuring that those displaced are provided with access to safe and serviced housing options, which is crucial for their well-being.
The welfare of these families contrasts sharply with the government’s ambitious targets, raising fundamental questions about the sincerity of its policies. Duncan’s remarks reflect growing frustration among the opposition regarding the government’s perceived disregard for the most vulnerable citizens. In a nation where housing is often a contentious topic, such incidents bring to light the grotesque reality of unmet promises and the suffering of the populace.
The consequences of displacing families extend beyond mere physical relocation; they disrupt lives, communities, and the social fabric that binds our nation. The stories and struggles of affected individuals resonate loudly, revealing the stark realities hidden behind governmental declarations. Duncan’s call is for the government to not only listen but to act, embodying its own principle of putting people first with tangible actions.
As the aftermath of the evictions unfolds, it remains crucial for the government to demonstrate its commitment to its citizens through meaningful engagement and resolution of this crisis. The plight of the families in Friendship serves as a poignant reminder that political decisions directly impact the livelihoods of ordinary people. Sherod Duncan’s impassioned plea serves as a rallying call to the nation, urging a collective reflection on our obligations to one another in times of distress.
The evictions at Friendship are more than just a case of land disputes; they reflect a deeper societal issue concerning the treatment and prioritisation of our nation’s most disadvantaged. The call for action is clear: it is essential that the government steps up, ensuring that claims of putting people first transform from rhetoric into reality.
