Dear Editor,
THE recent imbroglio surrounding the establishment of a chemical plant at the John Fernandes inland terminal which sparked protest action by residents of Houston Gardens and other surrounding communities is yet another example of just how much the regulatory agencies are failing the people of Guyana.

This is despite millions of tax dollars being spent year after year on building capacity within these agencies, but somehow, the benefits of these investments never result in improved services to the Guyanese populace.

Residents of Lamaha Gardens have been enduring more than their fair share over the years. Increased crime and the roadways becoming a racetrack for minibuses traversing in and out of Sophia are two of the more compelling issues facing residents at the moment.
This situation is so dangerous that residents have been involved in life- threatening accidents due to speeding, particularly on Duncan and Garnett Streets. Also, Lamaha Gardens is zoned as a residential area, but yet, businesses have been operating with impunity over the last few years. Such businesses include a gym, nail salon, travel agency, day-care centre and offices, one of which is the GWI Executive office. That a government agency can wantonly break the zoning laws, unconcerned about the message this sends to other businesses operating in the community speaks volumes. A point to note is that GWI moved into Lamaha Gardens at a time when the former mayor was the Chairman of that entity, in effect breaking the zoning laws of Lamaha Gardens while being the head of the M&CC, one of the regulatory agencies whose mandate is to enforce the governing legislation of the M&CC.

Many may argue that the crime situation is not unique to Lamaha Gardens, and this is true. However, poor planning and possibly lack of basic knowledge on the concept of a residential community has contributed to the plight that residents find themselves in. The number of ingresses and egresses, and the resultant free flow of traffic have allowed for many undesirous activities such as heavily tinted vehicles parked and scouting the neighbourhood during the daytime and early evening. Thankfully, Lamaha Gardens has a strong sense of community, so we are able to maintain photographic records of all these vehicles, along with their make and registration numbers.

The election of Mayor Ubraj Narine has been like a breath of fresh air for the residents of Lamaha Gardens. Mayor Narine has met with our committee on more than one occasion, and continues to demonstrate a willingness to work with our community to address our issues. We urge that Mayor Narine’s positive approach to Council’s regulatory responsibilities be supported and duplicated by other regulatory entities with community responsibilities. Lamaha Gardens and residential communities will once again enjoy peace and tranquility, with the preservation of an orderly and harmonious environment. Lamaha Gardens was laid out in 1966, and developed based upon a Planning Scheme approved by the Central Housing and Planning Authority.

Typically, such planning schemes seek to provide for orderly and harmonious land use development through the zoning of land and the preservation of amenities. Therefore, any activities not consistent with these objectives are not to be tolerated. This includes the rearing of animals such as cows, and the intrusion of incompatible land uses, such as commercial businesses in an area approved as a residential scheme. Further, once a Planning Scheme was duly approved, the CH&PA and other regulatory agencies must work in a manner to ensure that the provisions of such a scheme are respected. This in effect means that the conduct of any activity that compromises the land-use development objectives and integrity of the area as a residential scheme ought to be resisted. The time has come for residential communities to take action to ensure they are protected against unwanted impositions. An Association of Residential Communities should also be formed, so that together we can hold the regulatory agencies accountable for dereliction of duties; an initiative which Lamaha Gardens is examining at this time. The Lamaha Gardens Community stands in solidarity with Houston Gardens and the surrounding communities in their fight against these atrocities.

Regards,
Members of the Lamaha Gardens Management Committee