The demolition of the Terca squat has started in Cayenne

The police cordoned off the area. Unable to access the site. This Thursday, November 28, the demolition of the Terca squat began in Cayenne.

“Many people have already left since yesterday”explains Micmase Loubin, president of the RAHG, the Network of Haitian Actors in Guyana. She hoped “May this be done in a dignified manner and that these people will not be pushed around this morning during the demolition of the squat.”

Around fifty families live in this squat, or between 200 and 300 people. Yesterday, some rushed to leave the place with their personal belongings.

Watch the report produced on Wednesday November 27:

The demolition of the Terca squat in Cayenne

Luis Bento loaded sheets of metal onto his arms. In a few days, he dismantled his house. “They said they would come on November 28, explained Luis Bento, the inhabitants We didn't have much time to collect everything, but everything we could we brought back.”. The situation is critical for him, his wife and their eight children who have lived in this squat for more than five years.

They were offered a rehousing solution, but only for three of their minor children. “I don’t want their apartment (…) I have a baby barely a year old who could not come with me, explains Claudiane, Luis’s wife. I am not a dog who abandons his children to the mercy of the street”.

Of the fifty families who live here, some are in a legal situation, others are political refugees. Only the latter will be able to benefit from a lasting rehousing solution. For others, the processing time is limited to eight days.

For the association, the Solidarity Caravan which supports its residents, this demolition action is hasty. “We asked for an extension to give residents time to do what was necessary, but unfortunately they refused due to the arrival of the rainy season”explains Esther Malivert, member of the La Caravane Solidaire association.

In a few days, these families will have to find rehousing solutions so as not to live on the street.

“These people should find accommodation so as not to return to squatswarns Micmase Loubin, president of the RAHG, the Network of Haitian Actors of Guyan. Unfortunately, we know that they will return there.”.”When a squat is destroyed, people move to another, because they have no other alternatives.”, she concludes.