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After failing to prove legal rights to the Mocha Arcadia/Caneview lands, the remaining squatters must pay $2 million in costs to the case’s three respondents: the Attorney General, the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA), and the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo).

The landmark ruling was delivered last week by Chief Justice Roxanne George, solidifying the government’s legal ownership of the lands and its right to take necessary steps to remove the squatters.

The lands were owned by the GuySuCo and later transferred to the CHPA.

According to the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall SC, this judgement serves as a timely reminder of the legal position that squatters have no legal rights to the land they are occupying.

The AG was at the time speaking during his weekly programme, ‘Issues in the News’.

For context, these squatters refused to relocate from the area, despite having been served adequate notices by the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CHPA), and despite the government’s attempts to incentivise this relocation.

“They were served with notices as far back as 2008. Those notices requested them to remove and indicated to them that this land will be used for the construction of a highway,” AG Nandlall said.

This engagement continued in 2021, and the residents were again informed that the lands were required for the construction of the four-lane highway. Most of the over 150 residents heeded the warnings, and were offered house lots and compensation to move.

“The government paid some $250 million in compensation to the squatters. [We] gave them titled lands with houses and helped them to move, and on top of that, gave them $250 million in compensation,” he emphasised.

Moreover, the squatters proved through their own evidence that they engaged the government to regularise the area, which invalidated their argument that they acquired prescriptive rights.

“If it is your property, as you claim, and it is not the government’s property or the state’s property, why are you petitioning the state to regularise you? The state can only regularise you if it is the State’s land,” he pointed out.

The AG said that the claimants failed abysmally to prove any legal interests in the lands and as a result, the State was wholly justified in taking steps to remove them from the area.

“That is the law of Guyana and of any other country. The lawful owner of a property reserves the legal rights and powers to take such steps that may be necessary, including using reasonable force to remove and eject from his or her land any squatter. You do not necessarily need an order of court to remove a squatter from your land,” he added.

The attorney general said that many lessons can be learned from this judgement, as it underscores the importance of adhering to land laws and the legal rights of property owners to remove squatters.

“If you are ever in doubt, this decision clarifies for any squatter or potential squatter what your legal status is. You have no right, no interest or title to that land, and the State or the owner can use force and remove you and your erections and buildings from that land without any liability whatsoever.”

“I hope that the public across this country understands that now,” he said.

Political Pawns

Turning his attention to the political dimensions of the case, the attorney general sternly criticised the opposition for wielding these Guyanese as political tools in their quest for relevance in the public sphere.

He said that they blatantly misrepresented the situation and failed to provide the legal assistance they had promised the squatters.

In fact, the legal affairs minister cited news reports that recorded the Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton in 2022 urging the Mocha squatters not to remove from the lands, asserting that they are “ancestral lands”.

The attorney general stressed once more that Guyana’s law does not recognise the concept of “ancestral lands”, yet the opposition persists in hammering this notion into the minds of Guyanese.

Minister Nandlall further pointed out that the very Opposition Leader who was so adamant that these residents have legal rights to the lands they were squatting on was conveniently absent when the time came for the residents to defend these alleged rights in the Court.

Specifically calling out the International Decade of People of African Descent (IPADA-G), the AG noted that despite their fervor to approach international organisations with these very claims and their passionate postulations in the public domain, the opposition advocates abandoned the Mocha residents when they faced the consequences of not complying with the law.

“I still have not heard any statement from the Leader of the Opposition or any opposition parliamentarian or politician saying what assistance they will give to those people who are now homeless and, I suppose, hopeless. They used those people, abused them and discarded them,” he denounced.

He continued that despite there being five lawyers on the Opposition benches, none of them appeared in Court to represent the squatters.

“They held several press conferences, championing this cause, misleading these people. They went to the United Nations to lodge complaints. All bark, no bite. When it comes to actual representation and rendering actual assistance to these people, no one came forward, but you will hear [them] champion the cause of African Guyanese in the parliament.” (Republished from the Department of Public Information) 

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Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, on Wednesday officially turned the sod for the $1.7 billion reconstruction of the Cottonfield Secondary School on the Essequibo Coast. The demolition of the old school is expected to commence soon.

In the meantime, the 636 students currently enrolled at Cottonfield Secondary will be relocated for about 18 months while the school is being rebuilt. During this period, some students will attend classes at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) building, the Anna Regina Secondary, and an old Special Needs School on the Essequibo Coast.

The old Cottonfield Secondary School

The contract for the project has been awarded to Builders Hardware.

Minister Manickchand stressed the importance of maintaining high standards during the construction and further urged residents to actively monitor the progress.

“This is your school. This is not a ministry project; this is a Cottonfield, Essequibo Coast project,” Manickchand said.

She added: “$1.7 billion is what we are investing in your children.”

The new school will feature modern laboratories and learning spaces designed to enhance the educational experience. Once completed, it will also introduce CVQ (Caribbean Vocational Qualification) programmes to provide students with additional skills and career opportunities.

Speaking directly to the students, Minister Manickchand encouraged them to embrace the changes and make the mdost of their education, saying, “Give your best and do your best.”

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A contractor/driver is in police custody after he was found with 61.2 grammes of marijuana in three Pringles containers. The contractor, Khemraj Lall, was apprehended by Kevin Chester, a security officer employed by Aurora Gold Mines.

Police Headquarters reported that at about 11:00hrs on Monday, Chester observed Lall carrying four bags and he [Chester] examined the bags.

After the drugs were discovered, Lall reportedly admitted ownership.

Chester then contacted his supervisor, Winston Adams, to report the findings and seek further guidance.

The next day, at about 12:15 hrs, police arrested Lall at the Ogle International Airport. He remains in custody and is slated to be charged.

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In a major step toward improving healthcare access, the Ministry of Health opened the Blueberry Hill Health Centre on Tuesday, a state-of-the-art facility valued at approximately $28.3 million.

This new health centre located in Region Ten (Upper Demerara-Berbice), will provide expanded medical services to residents of Blueberry Hill and surrounding communities, ensuring quality, accessible, and free healthcare for all.

The facility is fully equipped to offer a wide range of primary healthcare services, including, maternal and child, chronic disease management, immunisation and vaccination programmes, family planning and reproductive health services, environmental health services, general outpatient services among others.

(Photo: Ministry of Health)

While delivering remarks, the Health Minister, Dr Frank Anthony expressed that the opening of the Health Centre represents the Government’s dedication to improving healthcare access, reducing the burden on Regional hospitals, and ensuring that residents receive timely and efficient medical care.

This facility will significantly benefit residents, reducing travel time for those seeking essential medical care and easing the patient load on larger healthcare institutions.

In attendance at this commissioning ceremony were Regional Health Officer (RHO), Dr Gregory Harris; Deputy RHO, Dr Kenesha Samuels; Regional Chairman, Mr Deron Adams; Regional Executive Officer(REO), Mr Dwight John; staff members of the Linden Hospital Complex and other officials.

[Ministry of Health Press Release]

 

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Uriana Scott, a 26-year-old seamstress of David Rose Street, Bagotville, West Bank Demerara was granted $80,000 bail after she was charged with obtaining money by false pretense.

Scott appeared at the Wales Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Rondel Weever on Tuesday, where she pleaded not guilty to the charge. The matter was adjourned to March 5, 2025, for statements to be filed and fixture.

The woman allegedly used a computer and obtained money by false pretense from Marvin Peters on February 2nd, 2025 at Patentia, West Bank Demerara.

She was arrested on February 4.

 

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Some of Guyana’s top boxers are heading into the Caribbean Championship ranked among the best in the world, following the latest update from the International Boxing Association (IBA).

The Guyana Boxing Association (GBA) is currently preparing its elite fighters for the Caribbean Championship, scheduled for February 27 to March 3 in St. Lucia, marking the long-awaited return of the region’s premier boxing event, which was last held in 2019.

Leading the charge for Guyana are Desmond Amsterdam and Abiola Jackman, both ranked 29^th in their respective divisions.

Amsterdam, competing in the Light Heavyweight division, is the highest-ranked Caribbean boxer in his category.

Known for his powerful punches and quick footwork, he has cemented himself as a dominant force in regional and international competitions.

His remarkable performances have made him one of Guyana’s top amateur boxing prospects.

Similarly, Jackman continues to excel in the Women’s Heavyweight division, maintaining her 29th-place ranking.

She is known for her aggressive, yet disciplined boxing style, using her reach and strength to control fights.

Her success on the regional stage has solidified her status as a standout puncher in Caribbean boxing.

Beyond Amsterdam and Jackman, Guyana boasts several other boxers making strides in the IBA world rankings.

Alesha Jackman, the younger sister of Abiola, is ranked 62^nd in the Light Welterweight division.

Olympian Keevin Allicock holds the 36^th spot in the Featherweight division, just behind Trinidad and Tobago’s Anthony Joseph (ranked 35th).

Jamal Eastman sits at 50^th in the Lightweight division, proving his ability to compete among the world’s best.

Colin Lewis, another light welterweight contender, is ranked 83^rd, rounding out Guyana’s representation on the IBA spectrum.

The IBA world rankings serve as a benchmark for amateur boxing excellence. Being ranked among the top boxers globally opens doors for international competitions, funding opportunities, and potential professional careers.

It also enhances Guyana’s credibility as a boxing powerhouse in the Caribbean, attracting more international partnerships and development programmes.

President of the GBA, Steve Ninvalle expressed pride in the country’s increasing presence in the IBA world rankings. He reaffirmed the association’s dedication to supporting local boxers and helping them improve their global standings.

“We are proud of what our boxers have achieved so far. This is just the beginning. The GBA will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that more Guyanese fighters break into the world rankings and climb even higher,” Ninvalle stated.

He also highlight the importance of developing young talent, ensuring that Guyana remains a competitive force in international boxing for years to come.

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The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport (MCY&S) has announced its official endorsement of the Mashramani Street Football Championships, with the finals set to take place this Saturday at the National Park.

Minister Charles Ramson Jr. has confirmed his attendance at the event, highlighting the government’s commitment to supporting grassroots sports development.

“We are grateful for Minister Ramson’s support and the government’s recognition of the importance of this event,” said Edison Jefford, principal of Sports Management Inc., the organizers of the championships.

The Mashramani Street Football Championships will feature a grand finale, with the winning team receiving a cash prize of $500,000. The MVP will also be awarded $50,000.

This endorsement from the MCY&S is a significant boost for the event, demonstrating the government’s commitment to supporting grassroots sports initiatives and fostering a vibrant sporting culture within Guyana.

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West Indies left-arm spinner will suit up for the Guyana Harpy Eagle in the third round of the West Indies Four-Day Championship at the National Stadium, Providence, from Wednesday at 13:00h.

They face West Indies Academy in the pink-ball contest.

Motie, who took part in the International League Twenty20 after Test duties in Pakistan, will boost the Eagles, who will lose Shamar Joseph for this round.

Joseph’s absence is merely precautionary. He recently recovered from a shin splint injury that kept him out of the Pakistan series and the first round of the Four-Day Championship.

Tagenarine Chanderpaul is also out due to a split webbing on his hand.

All-rounder Junior Sinclair has been recalled to the squad for the day/night clash.

The Harpy Eagles are just 0.2 points from the top of the standings, while the Academy side is at the bottom.

After this round, there will be a break until March 5.

Guyana Harpy Eagles Squad: Matthew Nandu, Raymond Perez, Tevin Imlach (captain & wicketkeeper), Kevlon Anderson, Kemol Savory (vice-captain), Ronaldo Alimohamed, Kevin Sinclair, Gudakesh Motie, Veerasammy Permaul, Thaddedus Lovel, Nial Smith, Richie Looknauth, Junior Sinclair.

Management: Ryan Hercules (Head Coach), Garvin Nedd (Assistant Coach), Albert Clements (Manager), Angelica Holder (Physiotherapist), Ryerson Bhagoo (Analyst) and Jaryl Moore (Strength and Conditioning Coach)

West Indies Academy Squad: Teddy Bishop (captain), Mavendra Dindyal, Ackeem Auguste, Justin Jagessar, Rivaldo Clarke, Carlton Bowen-Tuckett (wicketkeeper), Joshua Bishop, Johann Layne, McKenny Clarke, Jediah Blades, Zishan Motara, Michael Palmer, Nathan Edward

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