Residents of San Raphael sent T&T Guardian this photo (above) of a squatter's shack in their community. Under the name Amber A, the residents write:
"Please permit me an opportunity to highlight my frustration at a situation affecting my community. A man posing as a fisherman is fighting residents of San Raphael for state lands. Prior to him coming to the area, the land that is located near a river was being planted on by the Amours and other residents for over 25 years. Several crops were grown like coconut, banana, lime and a breadfruit tree.
The man met these trees and crops there and proceeded to build a shack on it.We contacted the San Raphael Police who said that their hands were tied.He sells his fish there and the smell is terrible. He is selling the fish right in front of our home and right opposite the San Raphael Health Centre.
I am very disturbed and appeal to the Commissioner of State Lands, the Land Settlement Agency, MP Mr Jairam Seemungal and the Health Authority to intervene.His intention is to build a house on our crops and on state land. What he is doing is illegal under the Squatters Act and the Act makes it clear that all applicants seeking Deeds of Comfort will not be entertained because the time of filing has expired and that time was on October 2000.
He is causing us sleepless nights and pain. The residents of San Raphael have the right to live in peace and not have some boldface person distress them. If he wants land, he can apply to Land for the Landless and HDC for help but don't come to San Raphael and fight residents who grew up there. I appeal to the relevant agencies for help."