As Prime Minister Andrew Holness sought to calm upset residents, who had their homes demolished in the vicinity of Clifton in Bernard Lodge, St Catherine, the Opposition today (October 7) took aim at the Government over the methods it utilised in addressing the problem of squatting in the area.

Senator Floyd Morris, opposition spokesman on housing and sustainable living, and Senator Sophia Frazer-Binns, opposition spokesperson on land, environment and climate change, this afternoon expressed concern as to the “process employed” by the Holness Administration ahead of taking the decision to demolish houses in the informal settlement.

In a statement from the People’s National Party (PNP), Morris outlined that the party would have met with the legitimate owners of the land as well as those who have built houses on the land in an effort to determine the most practicable and amicable resolution.

Morris therefore asked:

1. What steps were taken by the Administration prior to the finite decision to demolish the dwellings?
2. Was there a process of consultation with the legitimate owners and the occupants prior to demolition?
3. Will this Clifton precedent become the new norm with respect to informal settlers and informal settlement?

Frazer-Binns, in her comments, added: “This incident highlights the challenge that many Jamaicans have in land ownership. Not because they want to break the laws, but simply their quest to become land owners. Accordingly, the government must lead the charge to make land ownership accessible and affordable.  We again echo our previous call that the government, as the owner of most of the land in the country, must now consider utilising crown land in a way that it eases the burden of many Jamaicans who legitimately wish to become land owners.”

In its statement, the PNP said it was placing on record its commitment to providing land for the ‘landless’ and affordable housing in marginalised communities.

“In so doing, when we form the next government, we will mobilise state resources to provide infrastructure support, legal support and housing support for these citizens – in so doing elevating their status to owners of land,” the PNP said.

“This is the very objective captured in the wisdom of the opposition keader’s decision to establish joint portfolios of Housing and Sustainable Living.

“The People’s National Party hopes that a better approach can be determined before the prime minister takes similar steps in areas of Western Kingston, West Central St Andrew, and West Central St Catherine.”

 In the meantime, during his meeting with the residents, Holness assured that plans were being put in place to have some of them relocated. He said, however, that others will have to speak with the Sugar Company of Jamaica to explain how came to be living on the land.