I have noticed recently the Alliance For Change (AFC) as well as the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) region four administration chairman has been clamoring for cheap publicity. The issue of the Timehri squatters was taken by the two and used as a tool for propaganda and party mileage. At no time were any constructive ideas or suggestions ever given on the issue, nor was the fact acknowledged, that squatting was illegal.

It is important to note that these squatters are occupying lands that fall within the boundary of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA). It is obvious with the presence of the squatters; the security of the airport as well as the safety of the aircraft operations would be seriously compromised.

We have seen over the past few months, theft of items and equipment belonging to the CJIA and airlines which included, portable runway lights, runway cables etc. It is widely believed that some occupants of these buildings are responsible or was in collusion with those who pretreated these acts.

The CJIA also stands to loose its rating as an international airport, and could be downgrade if the issue is not dealt with immediately. The presence of the squatter structures could very well cause the CJIA to lose its current rating, as these structures pose a threat to the image, public health and safety.

It is known that these structures serve as a haven for criminal elements, safe house for narcotics movement and also promotes gambling. It was also documented, that a passenger was robbed at the airport after which the assailant fled into the squatting area.

Not only do these buildings pose a threat to the CJIA, but it is unsafe for the occupants themselves to be occupying the area, some of these buildings are situated on the edge of a valley and such is at the discretion of erosion. Additionally in the event of an aviation accident the squatters would be severely affected.

The claim of the squatters of being unaware of the removal exercise is untrue, since notices to vacate the land was reissued in mid 2008. The CJIA has been making arrangements for the relocation of the illegal shops to an area designated for the purpose of a mini mall.

The People’s Progressive Party administration has always been and will always be sympathetic to the cause of the working class. Acting President Samuel Hinds and Hon. Robeson Benn, Minister of Transport and Hydraulics through separate statements have pointed out that the administration has prescribed procedures and norms in dealing with squatter relocation. Government agencies will take the appropriate measures to ensure the well being and comfort of those being relocated.

The administration through the Ministry of Transport and Hydraulics have a mandate to ensure the proper operation of the country’s international airport, as such the appropriate measures will be taken from time to time to ensure the mandate is executed. The Ministry would not be distracted by those who seek to capitalise on these issues, for their personal gains or political mileage.
RONALD HARSAWACK

In their haste to deceive and politically prostitute, Opposition politicians have sought to discredit this exercise and are yet to offer any solutions.

Nowhere else in the civilized world would persons seek to justify, squatting at such levels, in such close proximity to an international airport, save except Guyana.

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Originally posted by SJ4321:
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Nowhere else in the civilized world would persons seek to justify, squatting at such levels, in such close proximity to an international airport, save except Guyana.

Did this people jut move in. NO. They have been there for at least 10 years.

The questions is why were they allowed to move in so long that they have now built permanent structures?

Given that this was allowed why wasnt a more humane way conceived to move them out?


CBJ potential loss of status is as much due to its poor navigation equipment, the sudden collapse of night landing, on one occassion when a plane was about to land. LIAT formally complained as have BWee pilots privately. There have been numerous occassions when BWee flights out of POS reached GEO and due to its poor navigation equiupment, had to return to POS or proceed to PBM.

Is there any proof that the squatters took the lights? Allegations are that others did.

quote:

Originally posted by caribj:

quote:

Originally posted by SJ4321:
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Nowhere else in the civilized world would persons seek to justify, squatting at such levels, in such close proximity to an international airport, save except Guyana.

Did this people jut move in. NO. They have been there for at least 10 years.

The questions is why were they allowed to move in so long that they have now built permanent structures?

Given that this was allowed why wasnt a more humane way conceive dto move them out?

Removal of squatters in Guyana usually takes years, as even though they are provided with alternative house lots many are still reluctant to move.
Then when attempts are made to forcibly remove them, you have to contend with political publicity prostitutes...........!

The CBJ risks being down graded! Urgent action was needed!

quote:

Originally posted by SJ4321:

quote:

Originally posted by caribj:

quote:

Originally posted by SJ4321:
.

Nowhere else in the civilized world would persons seek to justify, squatting at such levels, in such close proximity to an international airport, save except Guyana.

Did this people jut move in. NO. They have been there for at least 10 years.

The questions is why were they allowed to move in so long that they have now built permanent structures?

Given that this was allowed why wasnt a more humane way conceive dto move them out?

Removal of squatters in Guyana usually takes years, as even though they are provided with alternative house lots many are still reluctant to move.
Then when attempts are made to forcibly remove them, you have to contend with political publicity prostitutes...........!

The CBJ risks being down graded! Urgent action was needed!

The CBJ can't be downgraded any lower, its already as low as you can get!

quote:

Originally posted by Lion King:

quote:

Originally posted by SJ4321:

quote:

Originally posted by caribj:

quote:

Originally posted by SJ4321:
.

Nowhere else in the civilized world would persons seek to justify, squatting at such levels, in such close proximity to an international airport, save except Guyana.

Did this people jut move in. NO. They have been there for at least 10 years.

The questions is why were they allowed to move in so long that they have now built permanent structures?

Given that this was allowed why wasnt a more humane way conceive dto move them out?

Removal of squatters in Guyana usually takes years, as even though they are provided with alternative house lots many are still reluctant to move.
Then when attempts are made to forcibly remove them, you have to contend with political publicity prostitutes...........!

The CBJ risks being down graded! Urgent action was needed!

The CBJ can't be downgraded any lower, its already as low as you can get!

Using that as the bench mark, i could just imagine what it was like prior to 1992 as i was told that it was worse!

quote:

Originally posted by SJ4321:
Removal of squatters in Guyana usually takes years, as !

You mean in SJ terms one year is what most will call a day. How come these people had the time to build permanent structures having been there for over 10 years and in ONE day they are rendered homeless?


Were any squatters arrested for stealing lights? Are the squatters to blame for the fact that an airport with notorious sudden rain squalls and low ceilings has primitive navigation equipment confusing to all but the Caribbean Airlines pilots who fly in many times a week so can fly in blind? What of the lights which suddenly went off when a Zoom jet was landing?

When LIAT complained to Manniram that they had problems with CBJ and several of their flights had to return to BGI they were ridiculed by the PPP to the point where they canceled all late night arrivals even before they lights fiasco, leaving one night take off only.

CBJ has been a notoriously dangerous place for a long time as any LIAT or Caribbean Airlines pilot will tell you. And this despite no nearby mountain ranges causing dangerous approaches.

quote:

Originally posted by SJ4321:

Using that as the bench mark, i could just imagine what it was like prior to 1992 as i was told that it was worse!

No one was threatening to downgrade CBJ in those days. Stop looking for excuses for the fact that the PPP installed man who seems to have the only qualifications that matter. Race and party affiliation.

It certainly isnt the fault of the squatters for the fact that the Guyanese manager of Grantley Adams Int'l had to save Guyana from complete embarrassment at carifesta by loaning them lights when it was revealed that CBJ had no backup system and night flights had to be canceled.