Out You Go”: Browne Warns Pelican Court Residents Against Drugs and Disruptive Behaviour

Prime Minister Gaston Browne has warned that residents who engage in drug trafficking, gambling or disruptive behaviour at Pelican Court could be removed from the development, declaring that the government will insist on standards that protect the entire community.

Delivering the warning at Thursday’s handover ceremony, Browne said the investment in new homes must produce lasting improvements in how residents live.

“Those who violate the rules will be removed from this community,” he said.

The Prime Minister singled out drug trafficking and gambling as activities that would not be permitted. He also warned people inclined to create excessive noise and disturb their neighbours.

“If you get opportunity to move in here and become destructive, out you go,” he said.

Browne said the rules would apply across the development, including to people receiving replacement homes, mortgage holders and tenants.

He argued that allowing disruptive conduct, poor sanitation or criminal activity would undermine both the investment and the prospects of children growing up there.

“Children do not learn well in a community surrounded by garbage, or crime and violence, gambling, drug trafficking,” he said.

Residents would be expected to dispose of their rubbish responsibly and help maintain the premises. Browne said a facility manager had already been appointed, and a monthly condominium maintenance fee was envisaged. He suggested EC$50 as a possible amount.

The Prime Minister said he was prepared to lose political support over the enforcement of community standards.

He also indicated that alternative arrangements could be considered for people unwilling to accept the rules, including a payout for former homeowners.

Browne did not outline the legal or administrative process through which removal would occur, but made clear that preserving a peaceful environment would be central to the management of Pelican Court.