Joe Vieira Park squatters relocated to Wales

Residents squatting at Joe Vieira Park, Region Three are being relocated to Wales, West Bank Demerara under the Government’s structured housing programme.

To date, thirteen households were identified for relocation.

Seven households have been allocated residential house lots, with the remaining allocations actively progressing under a structured relocation framework.

Minister of Housing, Collin Croal, said during the ‘Guyana Dialogue’ programme on Thursday that the affected households had been notified of their relocation as early as November 2025.

“Those persons who are living on lands that they do not have ownership for… they must know that they are squatting,” Croal said.

He emphasised that while the government aims to eliminate squatting, areas suitable for lawful regularisation will be accommodated.

Croal reminded that squatting is illegal and called on citizens to follow proper procedures.

“You have to come into the Ministry of Housing, make an application, indicate to us that you are interested in moving forward,” he said.

The Minister further noted the government’s broader housing approach, saying, “We have an aggressive housing programme of allocations and addressing persons who have pending applications, persons who have abided by the law, persons who have waited their period to be addressed… and they should be recognised.”

In a statement, the Ministry of Housing reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance policy towards squatting and the unlawful occupation of State lands.

“No individual or group may bypass the legal application process and expect regularization by virtue of illegal occupation,” the statement noted.

A major recreational project is being undertaken at Joe Vieira Park. The project, funded through a grant from the Government of China and coordinated by the Protected Areas Commission (PAC), is being developed to the tune of $12 million.

A full-sized professional football field, complete with spectator stands, basketball and tennis courts, alongside a table tennis area, is among the amenities to be included.