Latest update April 18th, 2024 12:59 AM
Jul 31, 2013 News
Prominent businessman Reeaz Khan is being accused of using high-handed tactics and of taking advantage of residents on Eccles Public Road, East Bank Demerara, by using religion and politics.
“I am a businesswoman for 36 years and a peaceful person. Businessman Reeaz Khan is bullying his way by using up Government reserve to do his own feeding programme in front of my business spot without a proper permit from the relevant authorities, to throw up a shed in front of a rum shop during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan,” says Chandra Katwaroo who operates a hangout bar called ‘Flat Shop’ on Eccles Public Road.
She explained that it all began two Sundays ago when several truckloads of sand were delivered near to her business spot. She said that a 20 x 30 tent was then placed at the location which also encroached on the area in front of her business spot. This she noted is a feature event every Sunday.
Katwaroo said when Khan was questioned about the authority and permission given to erect a tent and spread sand in the area, “He (Khan) said he ain’t got to get permission from nobody; that he can put his tent anywhere he wants to put it, and he get the authority to put any tent any place he wants to put it”.
The businesswoman said she then told Khan that the sand brought to the area will affect her business.
“I told him it will be blown right into my bar where patrons are with food and drinks. Right now inside my house and business always have sifting…When I told him he start to become abusive, and he said he get permission from President Donald Ramotar and Central Islamic Organization of Guyana (CIOG) and Freedom House and he don’t look after the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) which is supposed to give permission.”
“The NDC Chairman told Khan that he was only permitted to have the tent up for a few hours then take it down. He was not to have it up to disrupt others. Even when another businessman parked under the tent that was in front of his gap, Khan called the police in. How can that happen when it’s in front of the man’s own gap?”
Underscoring that for the past six years Khan has been doing the feeding programme at his residence in Eccles, Katwaroo said under the guise of religion, Khan plans to build a shed on the government reserve without permit and he has already applied for service from Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) which she said indicates his intention to bypass the authority.
“We are not against him feeding people or doing anything religious, but please let him do it at his home and not interrupt people’s business area and life,” Katwaroo said.
“The police even came to my house and wanted to take me to the station, and when I make a report the police do not act. But one phone call from Khan and the police hustle to harass me. How can he be doing holy work in front of a rum shop?”
Businessman Anand Sookwah who is constructing a three-storey building in the area said that without consent, several loads of sand were removed with an excavator from in front of his property and placed next to a drain which is being washed into it whenever it rains.
In addition, he noted that a GT&T cable was severed while this was done and the line has not been replaced to date.
Other residents in the area noted that Khan is a disliked person in the community and only seeks to exert his power and influence and promote himself. “Not even the Peters Hall Masjid accepts him.”
“If Mr Reeaz Khan was given permission to indeed build a tent here to feed beggars, please let him know that he needs a portable toilet in place, since many of the females last Sunday defecated around the area without care. These beggars have no care,” one resident said.
“Imagine the business places in the area had to lock their toilets because the beggars using it and messing the place up.”
Residents also noted that Khan would also have a policeman guarding the tent at nights when it is erected from Saturday evening.
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