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April 20, 2009

In search of the truth

By Rootsgirl
Rasta-Girl-Posters.jpgThe other night tears almost came to my eyes as I watched where several families where homeless as a result of the government team coming in to bulldoze their homes. Apparently this action came after eight years of dialogue where they were served notice to vacate the property.



As they came on the television, crying and wondering aloud where they should live, it’s hard not to be touched by their plight.



At one point I was even upset with the government, wondering if they couldn’t have compassion and try to work something out without taking those drastic steps.



But then I logged unto the JIS website and read the Minister’s statement. Check out what he said below.



The demolition of six houses in Colouden, Westmoreland yesterday, (Friday, April 17, 2009) is unfortunate. However, I am presently in dialogue with Member of Parliament, Mr. Luther Buchanan to ensure adequate resettlement for the families. This resettlement will include assistance with building materials.



Since 2007 hundreds of persons living in informal settlements have been relocated to areas with proper infrastructure. Additionally, we are now in the process of formalizing the tenure of another several thousand informal settlers. Demolition only becomes necessary when all other efforts fail.



The officers of the Ministry acted legitimately and within the policy framework of the Ministry as the persons who occupied the property for over eight years had been served several removal notices which they ignored. The problem became severe, however, when they began to rent house spots on the property to which they had no legal claim.



I do believe that public servants must be given the authority to carry out their responsibility as designated under the law without fear of retribution.



The Ministry of Water and Housing will continue to provide an opportunity to bring all informal setters into the formal sector, all we ask is for your continued cooperation. Where cooperation and dialogue fail, the Ministry must be decisive.



Now after reading it I am left wondering why would squatters rent somewhere that isn’t there’s…why not just say, come we got it free so enjoy it free also?



Now I have more questions than answers…hey my peeps…what’s your opinion?

Posted by yardFlex at April 20, 2009 11:38 AM

Comments


Posted by: Queen B on April 20, 2009 01:23 PM

Now this type of situation makes me sick to my stomach.
I can't understand how is it that people in JA are still living in such a deplorable condition.
Now to be honest… even though I feel bad for what they are going through I think they need to go elsewhere, at least to a place where there is proper infrastructure. If you are living in a place where there is no running water you bare the risk of getting cholera or other diseases.

It’s strange, JA which has so many open lands that’s own by the government and still they cannot built at least a 3 rooms for these people to live, IT’S BAD!!! I know we can’t put all this strain on the government but I think; a percentage of people making a certain amount of wages should go to help these people who are in need.
Now I’m not trying to say JA should be a Capitalize country but Our Private sector, Entertainers and people living abroad need to step up to the plate and help out.
A proceed of all these pasa pasa, uptown Monday and all these other dances that take place in JA should go toward helping the poor.
What are they doing with all that money they make with these dances and stage show? What…. ONLY DI PROMOTERS GET DI BIG FOOD. And these private sector on the North Coast and other parts of JA that charging a arm and a leg for these hotels and restaurant they need to help out as well. It just seems… everyone is thinking of themselves. All I can say is; we need to have a little compassion and help.

Let’s just keep this in mind:
To sustain the life we have does not really require very much. It takes only a little food, clothing, and shelter. The rich have an abundance of these things, and the poor may have to struggle to obtain what they need. Thus, for life to have meaning and worth, it cannot and should not simply consist of things that one possess. Jehovah alone is “The source of life, “and only He can grant faithful ones "the real life" or "EVERLASTING LIFE!" Life without end, either in heaven or on earth.

Posted by: AMBERGRIS on April 20, 2009 04:09 PM

Rootzgirl I disagree with you on this topic...firstly, did you not see the quality of their appliances and furniture- these people can afford to rent somewhere. Second- we who are law biding citizens do not get assistance when we can't pay our mortage or rent, why should these people get special treatment. We have a dirty attitude in this country i.e "FREENESS MENTALITY" I have seen people squat on indiviually owned lands and goverment lands that are better off than you and I and they brag that they don't pay rent, light, and water. These same persons use the opportunity to have 4 and 5 kids to add to the so called "community" then they neglect some of them and they become a nuisance to society. A majority of these people don't want to work because there is no reason to work. Therefore some rely on tax dollars from the goverment, essentially (you and me)- these informal settlements take up a lot of tax payers money in a lot of other ways...why do you think our light bills and water bills are so high? We have to pay for their usage also. A lot of them are on the famous PATH program- we pay for that also. Have you ever notice that their is no assistance for people who are trying people -but their is always assistance galore for deadbeats? Most of our essential services i.e (police, fire, hospital care) is used up on these people. They are more likely to have their homes burned down by unlawful electricity hook ups -among other things. All of this bleeds resources that would not have been used if these people were ligitimate customers. I might also add that when the fire brigade goes out on these calls police have to accompany them- again taking up resources. If you want to feel sorry for someone please feel sorry for people who can pay 3/4 of their mortage or half their water and light and cannot get time to pay the rest- feel sorry for people who work and contribute to the society. People who pay taxes not suck it away and people who are not a burden to the society and who understand nothing is free and try to work for what they want- even if it is not the best.

Posted by: fyah Mikey on April 21, 2009 05:07 PM

Queen B. It is not the responsibility of the Promoters and entertainers to pay for squaters. If anyting, it should be the responsibility of corporations like Sandals, Red Stripe, and chiqueta bannana. I have been involved in entertainment for years and most us dont have nothing. Ultimately, the problem is lack of resources because the government would rather pocket money from large corporations than invest it for the good of JA. Chris Blackwell and Bruce Golding have alot more money than Bounty and Beenie they should pay their share.

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