PEOPLE’S Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C), Member of Parliament, Jennifer Westford, has accused the political opposition in Guyana of failing to demonstrate leadership and honesty in its response to issues surrounding squatting.
In a statement on Wednesday Westford argued that opposition figures have consistently sought to blame the government for displacements, even in cases where individuals have been occupying privately owned lands illegally.
She maintained that such responses misrepresent the legal reality, noting that squatting remains clearly prohibited under the country’s laws governing property rights and land use.
“Instead of providing guidance and education to their constituencies, opposition figures are quick to assign blame to the government for every displacement that occurs, even when those situations arise from individuals occupying privately owned lands illegally. Squatting, by law, is illegal in Guyana. This is not a new or ambiguous principle; it is clearly established within the legal framework that protects property rights and orderly development in a civilized society,” Westford wrote.
Westford said that rather than educating on these legal principles, opposition representatives have instead “exploited humanitarian concerns for political mileage,” creating what she described as a misleading narrative of government hostility.
She pointed to the administration’s housing drive as evidence of efforts to provide lawful alternatives, highlighting what she described as one of the most expansive housing programmes in the country’s history. According to the PPP/C parliamentarian, thousands of house lots have been distributed, alongside the ongoing development of new housing schemes and the expansion of infrastructure, including roads, electricity, and water.
The programme, she said, is intended to create legitimate pathways to homeownership, allowing citizens to build long-term security and wealth.
“Thousands of house lots have been allocated, new housing schemes are being developed, and infrastructure—roads, electricity, and water—is being expanded continuously to accommodate growing demand. The programme is specifically designed to provide legal pathways for citizens to become landowners and homeowners, allowing families to build wealth, security, and stability through legitimate means,” she added.
Addressing the issue of enforcement, Westford stressed that the rule of law must apply equally, particularly in cases where private property is involved. She argued that the rights of legal landowners cannot be disregarded, even as authorities respond to sensitive social situations.
While acknowledging the need for compassion, Westford emphasised that humanitarian considerations should not override legality and personal responsibility. She said government intervention may be required to prevent hardship when disputes arise but warned against encouraging the belief that illegal occupation can lead to ownership.
“Despite these efforts, there remains a tendency by some political actors to exploit humanitarian concerns surrounding squatting for cheap political mileage. When individuals are removed from lands that belong to private citizens, the narrative is immediately twisted to suggest government neglect or hostility. This is misleading. The rule of law must apply equally, and the rights of lawful property owners must be respected,” she added.
Westford called for what she described as more responsible political leadership, urging that public discourse focus on educating citizens about their rights, responsibilities and available opportunities.
“Leadership requires more than criticism. It requires educating people about their rights, their responsibilities, and the opportunities available to them.”