Squatting in Jennings to be addressed by Government

Photo Credit: Wayne Mariette

On Monday, Prime Minister Gaston Browne, along with members of his Cabinet, including Sir Molwyn Joseph, the Parliamentary Representative for the St. Mary’s North Constituency, visited Jennings (Hermitage Road) to discuss concerns related to squatting on crown lands.

Public Works Minister Maria Browne raised significant concerns about residences being built in a known watercourse and a flood-prone area.

She pointed out that the site is inappropriate for any construction due to the high risk of severe flooding.

Minister Molwyn Joseph underlined the urgency of the situation, stressing that homeowners and their families face considerable danger.

He highlighted that a prominent watercourse, located about 100 feet from the main road, results in considerable flooding during heavy rains from runoff originating in the surrounding hills.

Following discussions that included input from Agriculture and Lands Minister Anthony Smith and Urban Transformation Minister Rawdon Turner, it was collectively decided that the immediate course of action would be to relocate the squatters to a different community.

Prime Minister Browne conveyed the government’s decision to the affected homeowners, who expressed their gratitude and support.

Minister Molwyn Joseph has been assigned the task of finding suitable land for the relocation of approximately twelve households impacted by the flooding. Also present at the meeting were Chief Town and Country Planner Frederick Southwell, the Chairman of the DCA, and members of the staff.