MR. IRFAAN Ali’s recent remarks that he and his government would not tolerate squatting, but would take immediate measures to eradicate the evil, is one of the most worthwhile declarations anyone in the political arena has made recently. Mr Ali mentioned some of the social and economic evils squatting brings on Guyanese society without detailing them. It may however be salutary if you permit me to mention a few: squatting led to the blocking and neglect of the drainage system and was largely responsible for the disastrous floods we had a very few years ago. In squatting communities, crime, alcoholism, drug dealing and consumption are rampant. Above all, squatting nurtures the mentality of  stealing. A good proportion of squatters have houses and land in neighbouring villages from which they come to pounce  on others’ properties. And this spirit of theft is evident as they continue to steal water and electricity in the squatter settlements.
The State has been distributing tens of thousands of houselots as well as agricultural leases. It is only those who do not want to improve their lifestyles who  would continue to squat.
The courts have become acutely aware of the evil of squatting, and have been giving some landmark decisions against this evil. Guyanese society will long remember and be grateful to those judges. And it is hoped that the executive arm of government will lend its support to the judiciary in this process of social cleansing and renewal.