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The Chairman of the Mocha-Arcadia Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), Rudolph Adams, has accused a government-appointed representative of illegally selling lands under the NDC’s jurisdiction while allegedly encouraging squatting on other portions of land. Speaking to Credible Sources on October 21, 2024, Adams outlined the ongoing issue, which he claims has persisted without any meaningful intervention from the relevant ministries since 2020.
Adams explained that the NDC had repeatedly written to the Ministry of Housing and Water and the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development about squatting and other land-related matters, but no responses were received. “We wrote the Minister of Housing for some assistance, to get the area properly surveyed to accommodate residents from our community,” Adams said. However, despite multiple attempts to engage the government, Adams revealed that the NDC “received no answer.”
The issue became more serious when Adams claimed that a government representative, Alicia Bobb, was allegedly selling parcels of land without authorization. “We have credible information that she’s selling land,” Adams stated, citing receipts provided by individuals who had paid between GYD 130,000 to GYD 2.3 million to Bobb for land and clearing services. “This is somebody who was appointed by the government to represent their interests in the community,” Adams emphasized, expressing his frustration at the apparent lack of oversight.
The NDC, under Adams’ leadership, formally raised these concerns with the Ministry of Housing on October 16, 2024, but was soon met with accusations that the NDC itself was involved in illegal land sales. “Lo and behold, we were appraised of some statements made by the Minister of Housing and the Minister of Local Government accusing the NDC and opposition elements of selling land,” Adams said, adding that the allegations were both unfounded and shocking.
Adams challenged the government to produce any evidence of NDC involvement in illegal land sales. “I want them to produce one receipt that shows the NDC is selling land,” he insisted, explaining that the council has never been involved in such activities. Adams further questioned why the government has not taken action against Bobb, despite the NDC providing documentation about her alleged activities. “I’m convinced, based on my last correspondence and the two ministries’ responses, that they’re actually condoning this person,” he said.
Government Response
The Ministry of Housing and Water and the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development responded to the controversy in separate press releases on October 19, 2024. Both ministries expressed concern over reports of illegal land sales and reiterated that any such transactions conducted by unauthorized individuals or entities are illegal.
The Ministry of Housing and Water stated, “We wish to make it unequivocally clear that such actions are illegal. MoHW/CH&PA will not recognize any sale or transfer of these lands by unauthorized individuals or entities.” The ministry also emphasized its efforts to regularize the informal settlement in Mocha-Arcadia, noting that the land in question falls under the jurisdiction of the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) and is in the process of being transferred for regularization.
Similarly, the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development denied granting any permission to the Mocha-Arcadia NDC or any individuals to sell or lease land in the area. The ministry noted that on September 9, 2024, a cease order was issued to all NDCs and RDCs, prohibiting the sale or lease of government land without ministerial authorization. “The unauthorized sale or lease of state land is ILLEGAL, and any such transactions will be deemed NULL, VOID, AND OF NO EFFECT,” the release stated.
Growing Concerns
Adams expressed his frustration with the lack of government action, particularly in light of recent events involving residents in the adjacent Cane View-Mocha area. He pointed out that while residents there were removed from their homes for alleged squatting, the government appears to be turning a blind eye to illegal activities in the Mocha-Arcadia area. “The hypocrisy of the PPP is proven,” Adams stated, accusing the government of selectively enforcing the law.
In closing, Adams called on the government to engage with the NDC in meaningful dialogue and take immediate action to resolve the matter. “We are the NDC and we are not collecting money from anybody for parcels of land because we know that it has a process that we have to go through,” he said, adding that the council would pursue legal action if necessary to protect the community’s interests.
Looking Forward
The NDC chairman also emphasized the need for greater government accountability, stating, “We have a mandate to support our community, and we have been working with our community to ensure that they benefit… but we will not condone persons squatting and collecting money under the table.” Whether these new developments will prompt government reforms or further escalate tensions remains to be seen.
