In a nation grappling with the promise of newfound prosperity, allegations of corruption continue to tarnish the reputation of key institutions vital to equitable development. Among the most troubling reports is the persistent malpractice at the Guyana Lands and Survey Commission (GL&SC), where the very custodians of public trust are accused of facilitating a rampant land grab across strategic regions of the country.
At the heart of these accusations lies a web of deceit allegedly orchestrated by high-ranking officials within the GL&SC. It is alleged that swathes of prime land in regions like Rupununi and Linden/Soesdyke Highway are being surreptitiously doled out to cronies and well-connected individuals, bypassing due process and legal scrutiny. Public surveyors, entrusted with ensuring the integrity of land survey plans, are reportedly complicit in this scheme. They are said to collude with private surveyor firms, possibly owned or influenced by friends or associates, to signing off those irregular plans for hefty fees.
What further exacerbates this betrayal of public trust is the misuse of state resources. Reports indicate that GL&SC vehicles (without Logo) , human resources, and equipment meant for public service are being illicitly employed to expedite these fraudulent activities. This alleged brazen exploitation not only undermines the institution’s mandate but also siphons public resources intended for genuine development initiatives.
Equally alarming are claims that certain political figures aligned with the ruling PPP government and businesses that have financially backed the party are among the primary beneficiaries of this land largesse. By allegedly receiving preferential access to the choicest state lands, these individuals and entities stand accused of perpetuating a cycle of cronyism and inequality that undermines the principles of fair governance and economic justice.
The proposition for a Commissioner of Inquiry (COI) to thoroughly investigate these allegations seems not only appropriate but imperative. Such an inquiry would be tasked not only with uncovering the current malfeasance but also delving into historical grievances, such as the reemployment of disciplined survey officers with questionable backgrounds, which would expose frauds what is taken place at the Guyana lands and survey, from land at MMADA, Cove and John on East Coast of Demerara, the history of some of the surveyors officer who was disciplined, suspended, fired then plead with the former President before 2015 then went to the Ministry of Housing and now back at the Guyana Lands and Survey Commission (GL&SC) as one of the head.
In the absence of decisive action of the alleged corruption at the Guyana Lands and Survey Commission risks defining Guyana’s future for generations to come—a future marred by lost opportunities, deepened inequality, and a fractured social fabric. The time to act is now, for the sake of justice, integrity, and the collective prosperity of all Guyanese citizens.
