“You have a friend in us” – Pres Ali to Mocha squatters who lost court case

…says Govt committed to better life for all Guyanese

President Dr Irfaan Ali has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to the people, regardless of political affiliation, as he expressed readiness to work with the displaced Mocha squatters following a recent High Court ruling.
The President, addressing the issue on Thursday during a live broadcast, emphasized that the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) administration is focused on humanity rather than politics.
“We are a humane government. We don’t see PNC, APNU, whatever form the AFC, PNC, AFC, whatever form they have. We see every single citizen as a responsibility of the PPP Civic government, and that is why we offer all those who are squatting in Mocha an opportunity. One that was fair. The few who are misled by Norton, and the PNC and the AFC, yes, the court has ruled. But we are a government for the people. We are a government that will embrace the people every single time. And while they stay silent on you, your president is ready to receive you,” the Guyanese leader said.
The president’s comments came on the heels of the recent development where several Cane View/Mocha, East Bank Demerara (EBD) squatters lost their legal challenge against the government removing them from State lands.
In order to facilitate the construction of the Heroes Highway, the government had, since in 2021, offered the squatters compensation in the form of money, titled land and houses, to relocate.
While some 28 accepted the government’s offers, a few resisted, reportedly with support from the opposition.
The squatters – Mark Gordon, Shenika Simpson, Roxane Allen and Lucretia George – went on to challenge the government in court, seeking over $200 million in damages.
Last Friday, Chief Justice Roxane George, SC, ruled against the applicants, dismissing their claims for prescriptive titles, property damage, and constitutional violations. The ruling confirmed that the government had the legal right to clear the lands for development.
The squatters were represented by attorneys Vivian M. Williams and Lyndon Amsterdam.
Despite their defeat, President Ali on Thursday reiterated government’s commitment to supporting those affected, while condemning opposition leaders for deceiving the squatters.
He directly accused Opposition Leader Aubrey Norton, along with members of the APNU and AFC, for exploiting vulnerable citizens for political gain.
“Your government, the People’s Progressive Party Civic government, has an open door, and open policy, to make the life of every guy…better, including yours. But I’m happy you had the opportunity to see who cared for you and who wanted to use you, who saw you as pawn. It is unfortunate and sad that such political enmity in individuals exist. But know that you have a friend in us. Know that you have in us a government that cares,” he added.
In their court submissions, the government had indicated that it is still willing to assist the applicants. This was noted by the CJ when she delivered her ruling.
The Chief Justice however stated that “it is for the applicants to decide if they are willing to respectfully engage, so that offer of assistance will be effective.”