DEVELOPMENT comes at a cost. The costs are not only financial or material. There are also ‘costs’ associated with attitudes to accommodate new and changing realities.
As the modernisation process in Guyana picks up momentum, there are bound to be ‘headwinds’ which could be disruptive and at times unsettling to daily routine.

Take for instance the construction of a new road or highway. That invariably could lead to traffic diversions or disruptions to the smooth flow of traffic, but in the end, it will result in much greater ease to the commuting public.

The most recent incident at Mocha on the East Bank Demerara is a case in point. In order to facilitate the construction of the new road linking Eccles to Diamond, a number of homes which stood in the way had to be removed.

Most of the homeowners whose buildings were in the critical path agreed to be relocated and accepted the government’s compensation package which included financial compensation, lands with completed homes and in applicable cases, lands to allow for traditional lifestyles such as farming and cattle-rearing.

These are commendable gestures both on the part of homeowners and the government in order to facilitate that important infrastructural project which brings not only benefits to the residents of the Mocha community but to the country as a whole. In other words, the construction of the new road is clearly in the best national interest and as such can only be seen as a national asset. Moreover, the real estate value of properties along the new road increases substantially

Given such a clear and obvious benefit to the community and by extension the society as a whole, why would any rational citizen opt to stand in the way of development as was the case of the seven Mocha residents?

The answer is simple. These were ‘victims’ of the political opposition which, as noted by President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, opportunistically sought to make political capital out a matter that is simply straightforward. The Constitution of Guyana makes provision for the compulsory acquision of property in the national interest.

The construction of a new road is clearly in the national interest and the action taken by the government to remove persons by force is therefore not without merit or justification. The fact that those ‘delinquent’ property owners were squatting on land belonging to the state gave added justification for the action taken by the authorities.

There is nothing, it must be added, unusual in the removal of property owners from lands that stand in the way of infrastructural development. There is nothing ‘political or ‘racial’ about such actions as the political opposition is attempting to project. In fact, discussions are already in place to engage residents who are in the way of the oil and gas project at Wales on the West Bank Demerara. In fact, the relevant orders were already gazetted for the acquisition of lands for the gas pipelines which will run along the West Demerara.

The fact is that the PPP/C administration do not take any joy in the dismantling of homes and it was only after all reasonable avenues for the removal of the seven Mocha squatters failed that the government was forced into taking such extreme actions. It is imperative that the hand of the State be heavier than that of its citizens to ensure that there is compliance with the rule of law and in defence of the public interest.

The opposition PNC altogether is not flawless when it comes to the bulldozing of homes of squatters as was manifested on multiple occasions during its tenure in office. They are therefore in no position to, as it were, cast the proverbial first stone.

President Ali, quite understandably, has had some harsh words for the political opposition. “I watch with dismay the type of political opportunism, lack of leadership and irresponsibility exercised by some who refer to themselves as leaders in the political opposition. Leadership is about responsibility; one that is based on a level of trust and integrity, not one that is opportunistic in nature. Not one that seeks to divide and use every occasion that you believe you can extract a divisive message to people.”

The President implored squatters to “stop being used as political tools and pawns, and see reason in the benefit of moving from the government reserve to the legal, legitimate lands and houses offered by the government.”

These are indeed words of wisdom and maturity coming from a caring President, someone who genuinely has the interest of the country and its people at heart. As the saying goes, a word to the wise is enough.