Belvedere families to gain security as government moves to regularise long-standing squatting areas

Families in Belvedere North, Region Six, are closer to receiving formal land titles following a commitment from Minister of Housing and Water, Hon. Collin Croal, during a community meeting on Thursday.

Parts of Belvedere North—particularly the Old Housing Scheme—have faced decades of land uncertainty.

The area, originally laid out in 1997, included 35 swamp-classified lots that went unallocated for years.

Over time, 20 families occupied the location, establishing homes despite the absence of legal ownership.

Minister Croal told residents that the government is now ready to move forward.

“We will regularise the Belvedere area,” he said.

A recent survey confirmed that 35 lots are suitable for residential use and have been approved. However, nine families living directly beneath a major electrical line will need to be relocated for safety.

The announcement comes after significant preparatory work by the Ministry’s Community Development Department. Block inventories and occupation surveys are already complete, and the final design—completed by Surveyor Mr. Travis Fields—is expected to be finished by November 19, 2025.

Paals will be placed on November 20 to clearly demarcate each household’s boundary. Once this step is concluded, the Ministry will proceed to compile the final plan for official recording.

Minister Croal noted that he intends to return to Belvedere soon.

“Once that’s completed, the final plan will be recorded. I will return for the signing of the Agreements of Sale,” he assured the residents.

While most households are on track for regularisation, the nine located under the 69KVA power line reserve cannot be granted titles. The Guyana Power & Light Inc. (GPL) has advised that the high-voltage section must be kept clear. Minister Croal stressed that these families will receive assistance with relocation to ensure their safety and continuity.

Other communities in Region Six, including Port Mourant Block 6, are also advancing through long-standing regularisation processes. Although the area has a complex history of settlement dating back to surveys from 2000, the Ministry expects to finalise its layout by November 30, 2025.

For Belvedere residents, the latest announcement marks a significant step toward stability.

Many have lived on the land for more than a decade—maintaining their plots, raising families, and contributing to the neighbourhood.

Regularisation now offers them an opportunity for security, dignity and legal ownership after years of uncertainty.