Attachment 37210
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/...Negril-removed
Always sad to see something like this.
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Attachment 37210
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/...Negril-removed
Always sad to see something like this.
Sad indeed. Article says the occupants were given notices over a year ago-who knows if that is true or not.
It is sad to see but also understandable. We were recently in the Abacos and they suffered a huge loss do to a fire that started in an unregulated settlement just outside Treasure Cay. One off the settlers had their cooking fire tip over, it burnt over 60 dwellings and left over 140 persons displaced within an hour of it starting. Luckily, no one died in this fire, unlike the one that happened 3 months earlier near Marsh Harbor in January where a mother and child passed. My heart goes out to those in Negril that have been displaced and hope they can find a safe and hospitable place to get their life back to some sort of normalcy.
Obay - that part is true. We know some of the folks who received the notices.
Pretty much everyone in Negril who cared knew this was coming including the squatters on "capture land".
If you read the comments under the article, your will see that the majority sentiment by Jamaicans are against the "free" mentality of the squatters.
There but for the Grace of God go you and I.
Good to know Rob! I will read the comments. I can understand the problems with squatters and the danger of groups of people living unregulated. A true lose/lose situation for everyone.
Correction: The majority sentiment by "Jamaicans who have the ability and resources to post/ comment on an internet website" are against it...
I would imagine squatters not having these resources available, thus not posting their feelings, etc... so the majority sentiment here is obviously skewed in one direction
Very sad, and very suspicious. The govt are either wanting that land for something else, or they are sending a message out, which they are known to do from time to time.
Let's face it most of red ground is capture land, why didn't they go in there.
Freeness is the term used, it's easy to blame people at the bottom of the pile. The points of those at the bottom of the column I don't think are representative of Jamaicans, they are the voices of a few with narrow minded stereotypical opinions. We get those sorts of comments here from people who are against the welfare system, without understanding how marginalised some people are. One person spoke about free education, being the reason people should live better. This is a relatively recent opportunity for Jamaicans, I highly doubt that the guy in the article had the opportunity to attend school.
And people on this board will see that it's not as easy as that for some people to get their kids to school, hence the programme at st Anthony's kitchen.
If you displace people, education is not going to save anyone from this cycle of poverty.
Freeness is also something that is enjoyed throughout the Jamaican infrastructure, with corruption, pay offs and extortion at every level, all the way to those in government. Not a surprise for many.
To use this term as an adjective for people who have very little opportunity to better their quality of life is a bit rich in Jamaica if you ask me....
Jamaica does not look after it's poor, simple...so they have to do whatever they need to, to survive. So would I. Squatting on the morass is hardly the crime of the century. Certainly an administrative crime..
The government officers just piss me off with this crap.
Murph ... Agree 100%...
Disclaimer: Sarcasm Ahead!
Yes, God forbid people would be allowed to live in unregulated groups. I just wouldn't know what to do without the government regulating my every move. :confused:
Granted, squatting is not the best option, but what other options are available? Perhaps the gov could use some of their precious land that apparently they just noticed that they own to build suitable affordable housing? a hand up, not a handout. Stable housing can only benefit people and improve their quality of life. It shouldn't be free, but have rent based on income or temporary group shelter with a plan to work toward self-sufficiency.
I think arbitrary (it's been 11 years, let's do it now) and excessive (bulldozing homes) regulation is part of the problem. Keeping the poor out of sight, out of mind.
Or are they just clearing the way for the ill-planned and only partially funded breakwater project?
OK, crawling back into my soapbox/home now....
Murph,
That is exactly why I prefaced my comment with "If you read the comments under the article, you will see that the majority sentiment by Jamaicans are against the "free" mentality of the squatters."
But I can also safely say that the majority of Jamaicans I have met over the past 21 years living here are hardworking and value what they have earned. Although they do understand the economic realities, they do not admire squatters. They do not actively hate, dislike or harass them. But they also understand that after being given years of notification, a squatter who has used money to build a house and buy possessions on another person's property, who has not had to pay rent or utilities for years should have taken the time to realize their situation would not last forever and made some form of arrangements.
After all, they did have the money to build the home in the first place, but they illegally built it on someone else's land. Landowner's do have rights to their own land.
As far as Papa's "there but for the grace of God" comment, the person interviewed in the article was living for free for 11 years in a home he built on someone else's land, paying no rent, land taxes or utilities. That sounds like a rather long "grace" period.
And Westender - Red Ground is not capture land, we know hundreds of land owners with titles in Red Ground and speak with them on a regular basis. Red Ground has been the legal home to many of Negril's founding families.
And there are strides being made in the Jamaican welfare system. According to the Nov. 2013 press release, 400,000 Jamaicans Have Benefited From PATH program (Programme of Advancement through Health and Education).
http://jis.gov.jm/400000-jamaicans-benefitted-path/
And as recently as this past May, the JIS press release states that 2,000 Persons to Benefit From $600 Million Welfare-To-Work Programme.
http://jis.gov.jm/2000-persons-benef...ork-programme/
And government built affordable housing was highlighted in a press release from January this year to help people own their own home who earn between j$5000 to $7000 per week. More Jamaicans Provided With Affordable Housing:
http://jis.gov.jm/jamaicans-provided...dable-housing/
In Negril, the Whitehall affordable housing phase 3 program was highlighted in an Observer article in July of last year with 590 houses and serviced lots being built. These are designed for mainly for hotel workers, young professionals and first time home owners.
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/...egril_14719965
While this is not a cure-all any more than the US or UK welfare systems are a cure-all, it is a leg up to help those who want to help themselves.
No one I have met here in the last two decades has much respect for those who have the ability but do not choose to help themselves. Squatting is not the cure...
Rob your quote:
"While this is not a cure-all any more than the US or UK welfare systems are a cure-all, it is a leg up to help those who want to help themselves."
Apparently the Canadians have it all figured out??? :)
One of the reasons (many) I love this forum. Many different perspectives, heartfelt and/or educated opinions. Without facts and perspectives, we ebb. Everyone's contribution speaks loudly. I am admittedly on the fence with this one. I can see everyone's view and yet cannot form my own solid opinion, because honestly- I lack the knowledge and experience. My love for Jamaica is all I can offer up- I hate to see people suffer, I also hate when people fail to make their own way and instead lay stagnant in their own circumstances. A daughter of a migrant worker who toiled and busted his rear end to go to college and see his kids do the same, a wife of a Jamaican who has seen his fair share of poverty and hungry nights- but still holds the perseverance to strive to be more, do more and work for it, and mother who sees pure laziness and entitlement in this new generation of youth - I am truly lost on this subject.
Rob, you are only partially right. Yes there are many people who own land in red ground, but there is a large qty that is still capture land, as is up in the West end too. We know many who have acquired land there , built amazing houses, but don't have no title.
And right across Jamaica it happens everywhere, It's common practice there.
I don't want to compete with your 21 years living in negril, as I have never lived in negril, however I spend a lot of time there, and my husband grew up and lived there for a lot longer as one of those founding families. The majority of who are still there. We have very close ties to negril, but realise our social circles will be very different, so have different viewpoints to the ones you share.
The programmes you quoted are a start, but are very flawed. The most in need cannot access these. In fact some are another example of corruption. I know of Jamaicans living in the uk, who have bought into those housing programmes, and rent them out from here.
I don't believe everything I read in the press over here, so would not trust those reports on the govt programmes to be inclusive to those that really need the help.
I don't know what you mean in terms of how these squatters have the ability to help themselves..that's a broad sweep..in what way? Without education, stable housing or stable employment, how do they have the ability..
In terms of those in the article being able to afford to build their own houses, I think a piece of zinc roof and some boards of wood is hardly building a house. My garden tools are housed better than that. They often build with 'recycled' material as well.
I don't agree with the view that Jamaicans don't have respect for these people either. They don't look at the issues the same as us not born there. We all like to think we get it, but we don't really. Jamaicans in my view just try to get on best they can, and understand that others have to do what they can. The richer communities think differently of course, but they are not the majority.
When I showed my husband the article, his negativity was toward the government not the people who got evicted.
And to plough in at 3.30 am with children there, well that's just disgusting. Where was the child protection and safeguarding in that plan?
Sad sad sad.
"Grace of God" and 11 year grace period ?
Interesting stretch at equivalence.
11 years. Seems like abandoned piece of property. Let's wait over a decade, then we will bulldoze your house and livelihood at 3:30am.
Maybe there will be a new bar with 6 dollar dirty banana's soon.
I assume that some Canadian, or American must have development plans.
This happens fairly frequently, doesn't it? I know I have seen a similar story to this quite a few times over the years. It seems that just a couple years ago it happened down on the river near the craft market.
ESparks,Quote:
Originally Posted by ESparks451
The "eviction" notices to evacuate these particular "capture land" areas in and around Negril have been reported in the local news media for about 3 years now. There were even follow up stories that second and third notices had been sent out. Everyone paying attention knew this was coming. That would make the 11 years more like 8, plus 3 years of notice to get off the land.
The 3:30am thing is weird, except that his was done at a time when there would be the least public visibility for both the evictors and the evictees. In this day with camera phones in every pocket, maybe this was the most tactful way to accomplish the eviction. Also, we dont know what time the eviction started, maybe there was some form of dialogue/negotiation phase that none of us are privy.
Westender,
Since you know Negril and Jamaica so well, although never having lived here, wihile there is much difference in "amazing houses" and "board houses", there isnt under the law for squatters.
As was noted in a Gleaner article in February, the Courts blasted the Ministry of Housing for backing squatters - setting both the courts and government ministries at odds with the land owner rights coming out on top.
http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/2...ad/lead82.html
But as the article does state, the concrete structures in this thriving community were attempted to be made legal and given title. They refused for whatever reason and paid the price. You may want to inform your friends in Red Ground in those amazing houses that they are not immune. Or perhaps they have actually already made arrangements to become legal as that was a major undertaking by the government for the past few years. They want to get all home owners on the books so that they can pay property taxes. That is part of the new IMF agreement.
As far as "social circle" - there are only about 6000 residents total in Negril, so I am positive that we know many of the same people. And none of them are surprised, shocked or outraged that squatters who have had years of warnings to vacate the land that they do not own have been evicted. We all knew it was coming. Does your husband know that the squatters received about 3 years of notice before being evicted? If he did, how in the world does allowing squatting solve anything? Doesnt it just create new problems?
Other than those with handicaps, either physical or mental, everyone has that ability to help themselves. I know successful business owners who can barely read, they never had formal schooling, but they succeeded nevertheless. I am sure your husband knows some as well.
I live, visit, talk and interact with Jamaicans every single day, and even the one I am talking with right at this moment, who is one of the local drivers has no real respect for squatters. Of course he feels bad that the man was evicted, but the man had been given years of notice and they do not own the land, so he has no sympathy for him. My friend just told me that he respects a man who acts like a man. And that includes making your way in life instead of trying to take someone else's land.
I just dont see how you can suggest that illegal squatting is a practical solution to anything....
You seem to have a strong opinion based off of second knowledge from your husband, who seems to have it all figured it.Quote:
Originally Posted by Westenders
So where did all the people go that lived in that eyesore next to the river in a nice touristy town? Are they camping out on the beach creating more eyesores? Oh and who got all that nice zinc roofing?
All kidding aside, I hope everyone has a roof over their head
They went through this same area about ten years ago and cleaned it up for the safety of those long time residents of Negril who truly belong there. It was my understanding that they found all kinds of contraband there.
Further, I know for sure my family and many of my friends in Redgound are not squatters. Ask the owner of the Red Dragon. Lots of highly respected Negril people live in Redground.
Booger I do have a strong opinion, my own though based on years of travel there and my own conversations with many people in addition to my husband, isn't that how we all learn about others experience of life?? I also work in the field of child poverty and child protection, so have my own professional opinion about why things there are like they are.
Of course my husband has an opinion, he is and will always be Jamaican and grew up in negril. So he kind of does have it figured out. What an inane point lol.
Not surprised at the personal jab, seems to be the culture of this board. So sorry I'm not a boardie clone, with different opinions. That being said I am not referring to all boardies, but it's laughable at the same few on here that will jump on the same train no matter what.
You have your own opinions, based on what? many holidays there, mixing with a small amount of Jamaicans , who will always see you as a foreigner., oh and the experiences of hanging out with boardies there!! Please don't belittle my opinions without some self reflection. Your post was pointless in the discussion of this issue. Sorry that my guru is my husband and not Rob (sarcasm intended)
Also probably unlike most of you, I don't return to a non Jamaican / possibly white world in the uk....
Rob as I stated I haven't lived there, that's what I said, but your opinions and experiences are yours based on your own experience living there. To invalidate my viewpoints also serves to invalidate the majority of your customers ' boardies' on here as neither have most of them. I acknowledge that you have a lot of knowledge and experience, but I think your viewpoint is very clearly against the squatting, mine is not. We will have to be grown up and agree to disagree about this issue. I respect your knowledge, but your not an expert on Jamaica and neither am I. I wouldn't even claim to be an expert on the uk, and I live here.
You have a great deal of influence in others on this board, but hope others reading can see there are many sides to a situation.
Great that you have people you talk to that have a shared view, but as I said there are many other Jamaicans that have different views, there and here.
6000 people is a lot of people, I have never seen you there at any time, so clearly the place is big enough to move in different circles. Neither do I frequent the places you promote on here and hang out at.
I will politely decline your suggestion to give the people I know a message about land, I think they know more about it than you or I.
I agree with your point about some people being able to succeed no matter what their personal hurdles, but without knowing the back story of these other individuals, you can't make sweeping generalisations. That's just how I feel about it, I'm not judging anyone.
That's the end of my back and forth on this... Its like throwing a stone in a pond and watching the ripple posting on this board. I could put money on the people who 'have a jab'
As obaygirl said, the board has many opinions and experiences, which make the discussion interesting and raises all our awareness. The personal comments made to people with an opinion you don't like is cowardly, it's easy to be a d*** online.
Brihands. Re- read my post I never said everyone in red ground are squatters., or that many people there are not regular people, paying their own way.
You are right many people there are land owners, but plenty captured the land back in the day.FACT.
It's so established that many don't realise that this was the history. Ask the owner of Red Dragon about that..
FACTS??? They don't need no stinking facts! It's emotion that rules. Just say the word "squatter" and the wallets will open and the tears will flow. How would they like it if someone just moved on to their property and built a house.... fancy or otherwise?Quote:
Originally Posted by Westenders
Westenders. It seems to me, that you are very familiar with this board, its culture and its owner...... for only being registered since April 2014 and only having 38 posts. Would it be fair to assume that you were once posting under a different name?
On a side note. I do wonder why people who come on this board dedicated to tourism in Jamaica, and Negril in particular... and seem to want to puff out their chests because they consider themselves locals and not tourists. Or they say they "Live in Jamaica".. Why come to a tourist board if you are not a tourist, and seldom visit negril? Just to brag about the fact that you aren't a tourist?
I used to live in Florida full-time. We called the 3-6 monthers... Snow birds.
My family owns a house at the shore. The locals call the summer and weekend visitors (Us) Shoobies.
That's really what some of you are. Shoobies and Snowbirds. (Cough) tourists.
Which there is absolutely nothing wrong with. Just dont get it twisted. It's not a contest.
Flip,
Do you know the origin of the term "Shoobies"?
Papa.
I heard that it was in reference to people heading to the beach on the train 100 years ago.. They used to put their lunches in Shoe boxes. The term originated from that. It would frustrate the business owners who sold food.
Now it is just a general term for non-locals.
OK just to get this out of the way, some of us including me, thought Westender is someone who used to post under a certain name; I now do not think she is that certain person. (Hi Westender!)
There are WAY MORE LURKERS READING this board than people who post. When someone decides they want to register and post, how about getting to know them for who they are and not run them off because they have strong opinions, REGARDLESS of what those opinions are? There are boardies I didn't care to meet when they first appeared, that over time I became more interested in meeting them. Now that I think Westender is a different person, I will start fresh with my perception of her - well, I have to actually, given that her strong opinions about smoking, do not mirror her opinion about squatting. I find people interesting...
To the topic;
The sense I see in the 3/30am time for razing the structures is that folks would have already gotten some sleep, soon to be waking anyway and daylight coming on rather than nightfall.
The people of Jamaica have let their issues go on so long, even though many things worked against the people, they got used to it, sometimes they got a little benefit from it, they developed the mentality that they were entitled to those little 'benefits', and on it continued. The JPS/electrical supply system is a simple, clear example that can be applied to multiple challenges around the island. People who do not have properly metered account service have more gadgets and don't conserve energy. They use 2-3 times more current than people who are properly and SAFELY connected, who know they have to live within their means. The un-regularized users put extra strain on the system and even more important cut into the financial capital JPS should be accumulating to maintain and upgrade the aging system. You do not have to be an engineer to see the consequences if this continues.
Right Flip!!!
I took a steam train to Ocean City once.
Definitely have never done that.Quote:
Originally Posted by Papa Georgie
I have been on a steam train before.
Westender,Quote:
Originally Posted by Westenders
I have re-read your post, and you did in fact state that MOST of Red Ground people are not paying their way today - this IS what you wrote:
"Let's face it most of red ground is capture land, why didn't they go in there."
MOST OF RED GROUND means more than half - the majority. So you are saying the majority of the people currently living in Red Ground are squatters and do not pay their way. You did not qualify it by saying "back in the day" or any other such statement - just a simple "let's face it" as a fact.
When posters misinform others on this board, presenting their opinion as fact which has no basis in reality, it is wise for others to correct this misinformation so people know the truth.
The vast majority of people in Red Ground are not squatters and own their land. I stopped by Red Dragon last night for few minutes after the webcast at 3 Dives and showed your comment to one of the owner's son (I didnt see Ragabones, the owner) and their night customers who have been born and raised in Negril and are Jamaican friends of mine. Most of these folks live in Red Ground and just happened to be gathered at Red Dragon on a Tuesday night.
After the laughter died down, some of the curious asked, who would say such an bumba#$#% thing? One did state that well, it may have been true before Norman Manley Blvd was built a half century ago, but not now. Overall, the folks gathered were shaking their heads sadly that misinformation about them were being posted on the internet. I told them I would let the poster know their feelings and correct this misinformation being spread about them.
And now I see you had to backtrack to Brihinds and state "You are right many people there are land owners, but plenty captured the land back in the day. FACT. It's so established that many don't realise that this was the history. Ask the owner of Red Dragon about that.."
Why didnt you state that you were talking ancient history in the first place on this tourism based forum instead of misleading tourists into believing that Red Ground currently has mostly squatters living there?
In your "Let's face it" post, were you actively trying to hurt the businesses in Red Ground, wanting tourists to be afraid of going to great places like Red Dragon by claiming mostly squatters live in Red Ground when that is simply not true? Or did you have some other agenda as Flip has pointed out that you think this is some kind of knowledge contest?
Yes, we do have differing opinions on squatting. I do not see it as a good solution to anything and something that creates a whole new set of problems that will have to be dealt with in the future. You see it as a good solution. Would you mind answering a good solution to what problem? If it is housing, maybe you should remember what else you wrote about the government sponsored affordable housing that I mentioned:
"I know of Jamaicans living in the uk, who have bought into those housing programmes, and rent them out from here."
Rather than encouraging squatting, maybe your time could be better spent getting those Jamaicans you know living in the UK to stop exploiting the Jamaican government affordable housing programs and encourage them to sell these "rental" properties to those underprivileged Jamaicans who want to get ahead in this developing country.
But you can rest assured, when any poster tries to use Negril.com to present their misguided opinion as fact, the poster will be challenged on their misleading comments by myself and those who actually do know. We have quite a cross section of posters here on Negril.com, from the first time visitors to posters born, raised and still living in Negril. The truth is what matters, not rumor and/or speculation being presented as fact.
My friend has property in Red Ground with a basic concert structure already built. He has the title to the land and pays taxes. He's found squatters living in the structure he had built. I'm not saying this proves anyone right or wrong. It's just an experience on this topic I thought I'd share. Not solely because of the squatting situation, but my friend is now looking to sell this land for something more secure (and closer to the beach). He wants to sell to us but we aren't willing to take on the issues he's had or try in anyway to maintain\build on a property with the limited time we have to actually be there at this point in our lives. The more we learn the more we think it's best to look into long term rentals when that time comes rather then risk investing in a property of our own.
Something that adds to the confusion of 'squatters' is that there are all different types...
Some squatters creep into other peoples dwellings- like Kevin mentioned. This is just sickening to think of. What kind of person would feel so entitled?
Some build on land that is clearly someone else's. Not as sickening- but still completely intolerable.
Some find land that is not used, they're not in anyone's way and far from it, and they claim it. A little disturbing, but I can accept this.
and then there's the old school squatters... who that's just what they did- Find unused land and claim it. My grandfather obtained several hundreds of acres in rural Maine. He knew what land he could keep farming when no one else cared or bothered and kept farming the land. Eventually he paid taxes on the land and now its his. Of course- now a days its much harder to do as everything is more documented and previously claimed. But I can completely understand this happening back in the day and completely accept this.
The term RESPECT comes to mind. If one has respect for themselves, the land and everyone around them... I see no harm
[QUOTE=Westenders;139207]Booger I do have a strong opinion, my own though based on years of travel there and my own conversations with many people in addition to my husband, isn't that how we all learn about others experience of life?? I also work in the field of child poverty and child protection, so have my own professional opinion about why things there are like they are.
Of course my husband has an opinion, he is and will always be Jamaican and grew up in negril. So he kind of does have it figured out. What an inane point lol.
Not surprised at the personal jab, seems to be the culture of this board. So sorry I'm not a boardie clone, with different opinions. That being said I am not referring to all boardies, but it's laughable at the same few on here that will jump on the same train no matter what.
You have your own opinions, based on what? many holidays there, mixing with a small amount of Jamaicans , who will always see you as a foreigner., oh and the experiences of hanging out with boardies there!! Please don't belittle my opinions without some self reflection. Your post was pointless in the discussion of this issue. Sorry that my guru is my husband and not Rob (sarcasm intended)
Also probably unlike most of you, I don't return to a non Jamaican / possibly white world in the uk...."
More ignorance and assumptions. It's pointless to add anymore......
I do have a question though. What is white world? Please educate me.
Booger - your personal attack was irrelevant to this post. You detracted from the issue being discussed without commenting on the issue, so your contribution wasn't relevant either.
In fact the only relevance I can find for you is the association between your name and something green and crusty dragged from a facial orifice.
The fact that you post on another website about boardies on here being caught up in negativity and causing problems in negril, is intriguing to me. A man with two faces has no integrity to me, so your personal attack would only mean something to me if it was from someone with character.
Flip- I have never registered on this site before. I stand by my own comments and don't need to rebrand and post under another name. I haven't come on here and puffed up my chest. I have expressed an opinion that is what this site is for. Nowhere does it says it's a tourist site. In fact the only person puffing up his chest is you and your posy exposing you chest guts and everything to the world.!
I don't refer to myself as a local, to the contrary I think that's what you do...
This is a board that should welcome open discussion and debate on issues we want to comment about. If you attacked people in the workplace or a Uni for expressing opinions you don't agree with you would be kicked out.
Google etiquette on debate.
Assumptions about how often I'm there are way off, but go ahead and have fun being wrong..
Lola thank you for you reasonable post. I'm not sure where all this idea that I am a past member came from.
I think the term of squatters is generally different in Jamaica to our countries, my original points come from a place of having empathy for people faced with living in challenging circumstances. I don't make a judgement, just felt really bad for their situation. If you want to spend time chugging away at criticisms go ahead. I don't agree, but I'm not the bullys that some of you are.
Rob I find your post unethical and disgusting. Just to clarify the point I made about red ground is that the government wouldn't dare go in there with a bulldozer, and my thoughts although not made clear I meant that they were cowards for choosing a small scale settlement as a quick win.
To be honest for you to just show my comments to people, without the chance for me to redress shows you to be unprofessional.
I hope others 'boardies' will now think twice about registering or making comments, as for you to parade them around in Jamaica and give an impression of people is disgusting.
I would do the same but don't want to be a stirrer of the ****. The next time I come there I may come and have a face to face discussion though, but I don't mean that in any sense of a threat. It is easy for you to be the big I am on here.
I certainly did not set out to drag anyone down in red ground, I have good friends and links there. You have twisted my comments to interpret what you want so you can be right.
Rob there are people on other boards who say they have left this board because of clashes with you. I can now see why.
Good job you've got the groupies to keep posting and keep your business alive. Maybe a lot of the lurkers on your site stay lurkers for fear of bullying from the clones.
Anyways, stand by my points, I feel sad for these people, and even sadder for people with no compassion.
Wow, this has gotten rowdy. I believe we all know and care about people in Negril &/or in Jamaica somewhere and regardless of ones financial situation, squatting is a very harmful and unethical way of conducting ones personal business. The only way to resolve any squatting situation is to handle it immediately, the longer the it festers, like an infection, the worse it gets and that is where the entitlement comes in, individuals or groups feel they have earned the right to be there based on time and theoretical improvements they have made. The safety factor alone should be enough to enforce the law, but the almighty dollar gets in the way. The JPSC (Jamaican Public Service Co) is lobbying the Govt as we speak to allow squatters to obtain electrical service. Current Ja regulations forbids JPSC from supplying power to a potential customer without them having documentation showing rightful occupancy. Since so many people are squatting in Ja, the theft of electricity is astronomical and the power company is missing out on that revenue and wants their piece and the Govt wants the taxes collected on the supplied power. It's a lose-lose all the way around.
Whether it be an individual setting up camp or a complete Shanty Town, squatting diminishes the integrity of any community. I have a heavy heart for the disadvantaged, whether it be their fault or not and I understand many do not have the resources to buy land and build homes, but there has to be a better way. Squatter lands are not a physically or emotionally safe to be, for adults or children nor do they benefit anyone in the community.
http://replygif.net/i/930Quote:
Originally Posted by Westenders;139245
Flip- I have never registered on this site before. I stand by my own comments and don't need to rebrand and post under another name. I haven't come on here and puffed up my chest. I have expressed an opinion that is what this site is for. Nowhere does it says it's a tourist site. In fact the only person puffing up his chest is you and your posy exposing you chest guts and everything to the world.!
I don't refer to myself as a local, to the contrary I think that's what you do...
This is a board that should welcome open discussion and debate on issues we want to comment about. If you attacked people in the workplace or a Uni for expressing opinions you don't agree with you would be kicked out.
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