Five Success squatters occupy Government shelter

Five persons who were squatting at Success, East Coast Demerara (ECD) have now taken up shelter provided by the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) at the Graham’s Hall Primary School, Cummings Lodge, East Coast Demerara.

The CDC in a statement on Wednesday noted that “three males and two females have taken up occupancy as more squatters are finally making the move to be housed.”

The facility was prepared at the weekend as a temporary emergency shelter following a decision by the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) to flood the lands last week in preparation for sugarcane cultivation.

The CDC said 40 persons indicated that they needed shelter at the weekend but up to Tuesday, only one person had taken up the offer.

Some of the squatters were again engaged in a standoff with the police on Wednesday as another part of the land was reportedly being flooded.

At the facility, strict COVID-19 guidelines and protocols are enforced and meals, hygiene products, sleeping, bathing and other facilities are provided, the CDC said.

The CDC encourages displaced Success squatters to contact the National Emergency Management System (NEMS) on 226-1114, 623-1700 and 600-7500 and make their way to the Graham’s Hall Primary School where they will be housed.

Staff and volunteers who are trained on shelter management are also on standby to provide support to the squatters.