IN Guyana, the recurring political theatrics surrounding the issue of squatting continue to reveal a troubling gap in leadership and accountability.
Each time unlawful occupation of land makes headlines, some opposition figures rush not to educate or guide citizens, but to assign blame to the government, regardless of the facts.
Squatting, by law, is illegal in Guyana. The principle is neither new nor ambiguous; it is a cornerstone of the legal framework that safeguards property rights, orderly development, and the foundations of a stable society.
Yet, some political actors repeatedly attempt to exploit humanitarian concerns around squatting for political gain, misrepresenting evictions of individuals occupying private lands as evidence of government negligence or hostility.
It is important to acknowledge that the Government of Guyana has undertaken one of the most ambitious housing programmes in the nation’s history.
Thousands of house lots have been allocated, new housing schemes are under development, and critical infrastructure, roads, electricity, and water, is continuously expanded to meet growing demand.
These initiatives provide legal pathways for citizens to achieve homeownership, build wealth, and secure long-term stability.
Despite these efforts, opposition rhetoric often ignores the reality that many squatting cases involve individuals knowingly occupying private property.
Reports of substantial concrete or even double-storey homes being erected on lands with no legal claim illustrate that this is not always an act of survival, but sometimes a deliberate defiance of property rights.
This is not to suggest that compassion should be absent from policy. Government intervention remains vital to prevent families from descending into crisis when disputes over land arise.
However, compassion must not undermine legality, responsibility, or order. Respect for the rule of law and the rights of lawful property owners is essential to ensuring a fair and functioning society.
Leadership demands more than criticism; it requires education, guidance, and solutions.
Citizens must be informed of their legal rights, the opportunities for lawful homeownership, and the responsibilities that come with property ownership.
Political actors should champion these pathways rather than perpetuate confusion or exploit hardship for short-term gain.
Guyanese deserve leaders who balance empathy with accountability, leaders who protect the vulnerable while upholding the law, defending property rights, and promoting responsible development.
Only by striking this balance can the country build a society where opportunity, fairness, and progress coexist with discipline and respect for the law.