NWC moves to evict squatters - Occupants say they could lose their livelihood

Vendors who occupy a building at 45 Gordon Town Road in Papine, St Andrew, are distraught over the impending loss of their livelihood.

The property is owned by the National Water Commission (NWC). Charles Buchanan, communications manager the NWC, said the company intends to use the property to extend its water supply network, to include the siting of a tank.

"In order to meet the needs of both our present customers and a growing Corporate Area population, and improve the quality of service that we're able to deliver, this is something you're constantly having to do," he said.

Buchanan said that the improved network will serve the surrounding areas.

The vendors were given an eviction notice in January to leave the property within a month, but they are still there and say they have nowhere else to go.

Approximately 18 persons occupy the property; some of them have employees.

Courtney McEwan has been operating a bar there for more than 15 years.

"Mi know that is government land, but we don't have a problem to pay for our stay. Wi hear dem come and seh dem a go want the place, but nothing nuh official to the tenants," he said. "Wi nuh really want it free. Do something for the poorer class, for the foundation people who live in the community. If you go get the people dem inna di community outta a job, a pure problem."

Paul Higgins, a woodworker, started operating his shop three years after he left high school.

He admitted that the possibility of eviction is something that he has been aware of for the more than 25 years he's been there, so he's been making some preparations to leave.

"I would rather to stay here, because out here is by the front. When I am not here, a nuff people a call mi and a look fi mi 'cause, over the years, I've been doing projects for the school dem. And the people dem weh have dem home and can rent out, mi haffi a mek bed fi dem," he said

He wants the NWC to consider leasing the vendors a piece of the land.

"The stretch a land is a big space, suh mi nuh see weh dem a try fi get wi out, because mi nuh see dem need some much place. Mi nuh know why dem cya gi wi a bly, if a even fi lease wi," he said.

But Buchanan said this is not an alternative.

"The commission has needs for its property and that's not included in the options," he said.

Buchanan said the NWC has been very lenient with the business persons, who he said have recieved multiple notices to leave.

"It's the National Water Commission's property, and to that extent, no one is entitled to occupy somebody else's property, and they will be removed as the law allows," he said.