On Monday, Cuban content creator David el de Kitty released a video targeting Cuban migrants living in Guyana, offering a series of vital recommendations to safeguard against arbitrary evictions and disputes with landlords.
The video, which quickly surpassed 84,000 views, was made in response to the distressing case of a Cuban migrant who reported being forcibly evicted, losing his deposit and rent money, and witnessing his ebbó—a sacred object in the Afro-Cuban religion—thrown to the ground by the landlord.
Always Sign a Contract
David's foremost advice was for all Cubans to ensure they have a written rental agreement, regardless of their immigration status.
"Sign a contract. Your immigration status doesn’t matter. You can and should demand a written agreement," he urged.
He further advised tenants to request a receipt for every payment made.
If a landlord refuses to provide one, David suggested that tenants prepare a simple document themselves and ask the landlord to sign it before handing over any money.
"Here's the money; here's the receipt. Sign it so I can give you the money," he explained.
When to Involve the Police and When to Go to Court
A key point in the video was distinguishing between civil disputes and criminal offenses. David clarified that, in the case of rental contract disputes, the appropriate action typically involves the courts, not the police, unless violence or property damage occurs.
"If there's a dispute between the landlord and tenant, it’s not a police matter unless there’s violence," he stated.
However, he recommended calling the police immediately if a landlord attempts a forcible eviction, destroys belongings, or assaults the tenant.
Regarding the recent viral incident, he suggested that the affected individual should pursue legal action to reclaim funds and report the alleged contract breach, acknowledging that this process requires time, legal costs, and often overcoming language barriers.
Don't Be Intimidated by Threats
David also aimed to dispel one of the most common fears among Cuban migrants.
"The Guyanese police cannot deport anyone; that’s an immigration issue. No one is being deported here. Forget about it, don't fear those threats," he asserted.
He added that if there’s a valid contract and the tenant has met their obligations, the landlord cannot unilaterally evict them.
"The landlord would need to go to court for a judge to issue an eviction order," he explained.
This aligns with Guyana's Landlord and Tenant Act, which mandates that evictions follow judicial procedures and cannot be executed at the property owner's whim.
Rising Concerns Among Cubans in Guyana
The video circulated widely amidst growing anxiety within the Cuban community in Guyana, where thousands have arrived seeking employment opportunities linked to the booming oil industry.
In recent weeks, several incidents have highlighted the community's vulnerability. On July 23, a fire in Georgetown's Lacytown neighborhood left about 40 Cubans homeless. Months earlier, authorities raided another building where 77 Cuban nationals were found amid a human trafficking investigation.
In closing his message, David emphasized the importance of understanding tenants' basic rights.
"This is universal, except in Cuba where there are no laws. Civil matters, contract disputes, aren’t resolved through the police," he summarized.
Eviction Rights and Legal Advice for Cubans in Guyana
What should Cuban migrants do to protect themselves from eviction in Guyana?
Cuban migrants should always ensure they have a written rental contract and request receipts for all payments to safeguard against arbitrary evictions.
When should tenants involve the police in rental disputes?
Tenants should contact the police if a landlord attempts a forcible eviction, damages property, or assaults them. Otherwise, civil disputes should be handled in court.
Is deportation a concern for Cuban migrants facing eviction in Guyana?
No, the Guyanese police cannot deport migrants as it is an immigration issue. Migrants should not fear threats of deportation from landlords.