Dear Editor,

It has been with great interest that I have recently observed several articles in the press about illegal drinking and gambling establishments operating on government reserves. In my community we also have similar problems that have been going on for many years despite many complaints to the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, City Engineer, Minister of Public Works, Minister of Local Government, Office of The President, Commissioner of Police, Minister of Home Affairs etc. I live on Public Road, La Penitence and there is such an establishment opposite Guyana National Printers and next door to Yams Liquor Store and a yellow building. This is a government reserve for a roadway towards our homes. It is impassable by vehicle since it is completely blocked by this illegal drinking and gambling establishment. To commute to and from our homes we have to pass through this establishment (male, female and children alike) where all the many unsavory elements of society (drunkards, drug users, prostitutes, gamblers, criminals etc.) gather at all hours of the day.

This establishment has the owners, family and patrons urinating, defecating and vomiting in the drains and on public property in the most unsanitary manner. Their rubbish blocks up the drains and contributes to flooding in the rainy season. We have to leave our vehicle parked on the public road at the mercy of the criminals since we cannot drive through to our homes. The music is played at loud volumes all hours of the night disturbing our solace and rest and hampering our kids’ studies. This establishment utilises (TV, Music System, Freezer and Lights). Yet despite all these breaches these owners seem to have connections in high places and are continually allowed to flout the law especially since many police officers and city constables also frequent this establishment. How can squatters be removed from the Lamaha Embankment and elsewhere and this business establishment which does not pay taxes or rates & taxes, be allowed to squat on a public roadway. I hope the authorities do their job and relocate this establishment.

Yours faithfully,
(Name and Address provided)