Dear Editor,

REFERENCE is made to an article published in the Kaieteur News dated October 02, 2018 with the caption, “Wash bay on Government reserves creates havoc”. Kindly permit me, in my capacity as Regional Information Officer – Essequibo Islands/West Demerara, to pen the following response.

Following a complaint that was made by one resident in the Pakistan Street, La Jalousie Village, Region Three to the Office of the Regional Executive Officer (REO), an investigation was launched. The following are the findings:
It was found that on the 18th and 19th April, 2018 two no-objection letters were sent to the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) and Guyana Water Inc (GWI) respectively, for the provision of their services to the wash bay. The letters were signed by the NDC chairman, (letters provided).

Secondly, residents in an around the area confirmed that during a one-year period when the wash bay was not in operation, the said complainant used to operate a taxi service and a mechanic shop at the spot, but since the owner of the wash bay returned and reopened his wash bay the complainant had to vacate. Thirdly, the wash bay, as confirmed by residents in the area, has been in existence for over eight years and has never affected anyone. The immediate and closest neighbour dismissed the allegation of unbecoming activities occurring at the wash bay site. Fourthly, because of the prior approval given by the NDC, the wash bay owner invested monies to refurbish and purchased equipment to operate the wash bay.

Fifthly, the complainant enjoys a cordial relationship with a regional councillor of the RDC Region Three, who claims that he works with the Office of the Prime Minister, has threatened to breakdown the wash bay. After the investigation, a decision was taken at the regional administration’s level to address the issue of squatting holistically, rather than to target this one individual. It must be noted that in the La Jalousie/Nouvelle Flanders NDC and all other NDCs there are businesses in operation on reserve lands or state lands. A mandir was even constructed on state land at the Groenveldt Village at Leonora, in the Stewartville/Cornelia Ida NDC. The holistic approach requires the attention of the Ministries of Public Infrastructure, Communities and Public Security, as well as the RDC, the NDCs and the occupants themselves.

We, at the regional administration, are of the firm view that a solution to the issue must be beneficial to all parties involved, since the illegal action began years ago and occupants have been earning a honest living by way of their businesses on state land. It will be unconscionable on our part to selectively target one person, even though we are against all forms of squatting and illegal occupancy of state lands.

Noting the findings and position mentioned above, and given that the findings and position were provided to regional councillor Harry Deokinanan to which he had never expressed reservations, I find it extremely dishonest and distasteful on his part, to accuse both the Ministry of Communities and the regional administration of not paying attention to the matter. This is not the first time that this individual has been trying to stymie the good work of REO Jaikaran, and by extension the entire regional administration, but what is sad is the fact that he is using the Office of the Prime Minister and Minister of Public Security to do so. We, as a region, will continue to provide government services to our people and better the lives of all. We will act within the ambit of the law and in keeping with government’s policies and position.

In closing, permit me to mention that the above information was provided to the reporter of Kaieteur News who carried the story and to date nothing is printed, which leaves much to be desired on the part of the reporter and by extension the Kaieteur News and their relationship with the person who reported the matter.

Regards,
Ganesh Mahipaul
Regional Information Officer