In furtherance of social equity and justice and as a conscious-minded citizen of San Fernando who has been following this situation for years, I would respectfully like to appeal to officials of the San Fernando City Corporation to refrain from using a heavy hand in dealing with the so-called squatters at Old Train Line Kings Wharf, San Fernando.Occupiers of this area, called Phase Two by the residents, received notices called Notice to Show Cause why their homes should not be demolished, and asked for a reply in writing by May 29. I fully realise that their homes would probably not be bulldozed by May 29 as this is just the first stage of the exercise, but this notice has caused much panic and in some cases anger because they were expecting a much gentler approach by the authorities.
The notice just gave them about five days to respond.Some time ago, under the tenure of Mr Sadiq Baksh from a previous administration, these people were visited and evaluated by ministry officials with a view to being given alternative accommodation.Those in Phase one, including fishermen, were given the option to relocate to Tarouba, but not all of them accepted. Those who didn't have been lumped together in this latest exercise.They were also visited by a San Fernando MP so they were led to believe that the authorities were seeking their interest.So it was a shock to them and they protested initially very vehemently, but they have cooled down now and are prepared to abide by the law and, if necessary, protest silently with placards.After speaking with some residents, I have learnt that they were visited by an official from the housing ministry, so it seems that something is being done to relocate these people as humanely as possible.
Some of these residents are third generation in the area. One, Glen Pierre, is a cultural promoter with a bedridden mother, and another has a car wash catering for maxi taxis.
In total about 150 residents are affected. They work in all spheres and some sell fish, but all contribute to the economic life of the city and should be treated with respect.It would be a feather in the cap of this administration to show some compassion and give flesh to what the Prime Minister has been saying, such as, "we are one family" and "we shall rise together.The residents are fully aware that they cannot stop progress, but they need homes and they are willing to relocate.I would also like the Corporation to use the very same Section 168 (a) of the Municipal Corporation Act (Act Number 21 of 1990) to treat in the same way the owners and occupiers of:a) The large burgundy house at the northern end of phase two which shares a boundary with the squatters and where in no conceivable way approval could have been obtained for its constructionb) The five-stage 15- feet multi million-dollar retaining wall, with shared boundary lines as the squatters, also at the northern end of phase two, andc) All the squatters on both sides of Lady Hailes Avenue, residential and commercial.Please do not be selective in your exercise to regularise structures in the city.
Joel Quintal
San Fernando