THE issue of security in and around the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Timehri is one that has been resounding in the media for years and years.
However, a few days ago, I was very happy to read that two men who are squatters living in the Timehri area, were caught on Close Circuit Television Cameras (CCTV) stealing office equipment costing approximately one million dollars from the AmeriJet Bond between November 19 and 20. This is a good thing, as I can see more proactive action in ridding the airport of such phenomenon.
This is one of the many cases which have been reported in the media, and one of the reasons why I am a firm believer that persons should not be allowed to squat so closely around the airport.
Squatting in close proximity to the CJIA has posed a major security threat, especially as it harbours criminals. One can recall the infamous criminal, Rondell Rawlins aka ‘Fine man’ had lived for months in the Timehri squatting area.
These persons only serve to tarnish the image of the community and the people residing in it, as I am sure that there are many hard-working and honest persons in the area.
Nevertheless, I am firmly of the view that all persons in close proximity to the airport should be relocated as soon as possible. However, as we see being well publicised in the media, this had not been sitting well with some residents, especially those of Timehri North, to whom notices have been served to vacate airport lands, which they have been occupying for years, illegally, so that the airport expansion can be facilitated.
In my view, squatters being unwilling to work with the Ministry of Public Works, Ministry of Housing and other agencies designated to assist them with relocating are utterly lawless and are motivated by selfishness, irrationality, and total disregard for a project of national significance.
I have seen numerous attempts by ministries and the airport authority trying to render assistance to squatters, explain to them, clarify questions all related to the expansion of the airport and what it means for the country. I have also read that the airport has set up a Community Relations Office specially for engaging with squatters, to help them in fast-tracking their relocation to neighbouring villages.
I suggest that squatters take advantage of this opportunity. Help is being offered. Make the most of it. You are now being given a chance to own your land, with a title, your name printed on it.
A regular law-abiding citizen will apply for a houselot and wait years upon years to get a title, while on the other hand, there are squatters in Timehri whose process is fast tracked, and they are downright refusing it. How can this be rational?
I fully support Kaieteur News’ Peeping Tom article of August 30, 2013, which stated that squatting should be made a criminal offence. Persons who squat often demand rights, but how can you demand rights when you did not observe your civic duty of adhering to laws, simply ensuring your paperwork is in order before putting up a permanent structure on land?
The article rightfully stated that squatting near the Cheddi Jagan International Airport is an eyesore and an embarrassment. The airport and its surroundings are the first exposure visitors have to a country and can make or break their opinions of it.
Guyanese should take more pride in what is theirs! This is our home, our country.
Let the airport expand, it will benefit us all. A larger airport will create more employment, and persons in Timehri will have an advantage. Men, women, young people just out of school can apply, work, earn a salary and live a good life.
A larger airport will invite more airlines to the country, which means more visitors will start to pour in, and the trickle down of economic and other benefits will be rewarding.
Let’s put Guyana first!
AMANDA SINGH
