KINGSTON - The Ministry of Public Works is extremely disturbed and disappointed by the barefaced actions of squatters who continue to clear lands vested to the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).
Despite repeated warnings by the Police law enforcement officers, squatters persist to clear and burn sections of lands to erect structures and farm.
On Thursday, April 9, 2015, CJIA staff and police stumbled upon this renewed activity in Timehri North, in the vicinity of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Ammo Dump and the Non-Directional Beacon (NDB). The squatters were cautioned to discontinue their actions.
The Ministry cannot condone squatting on lands allocated for the expansion of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) – the country’s main port of entry for international travelers.
‘Cease and desist’ signs will be erected in the area shortly. Law enforcement officers will arrest and charge anyone who breaches the order.
The Ministry and the Airport Authority, since 2008, have held meetings and engaged in one-on-one conversations with squatters on relocation options, the airport expansion and health and safety risks of living in close proximity to the Airport.
Efforts have been made to encourage squatters to apply to the Lands and Surveys Commission for suitable alternative lands; however, many still refuse to take up the offer.
The airport expansion is crucial to Guyana’s development, and the Ministry and CJIA remain committed to the project.
The MPW wonders what has stimulated the resumption of squatting on Airport and Public Lands earmarked for a critical national development project.
At the same time, helping squatters relocate to suitable areas to ensure their source of income/livelihood is sustained is also top on the Ministry’s list of priorities.
