–meet with CH&PA boss, after picketing Brickdam office

SQUATTERS of ‘A’ Field Sophia, whose houses were destroyed or who were served notices to remove on Monday protested outside the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) on Monday, saying they are ready to pay for their land, if provided with one.
Morvina Stewart, a mother of twins who was on the protest line, said she tried applying for a land or turn-key house, but was told that none is available at the moment.
“I got my children; we need land to live and a place to rest, but I don’t know how we gone do that if government don’t help we,” said the distraught mother.
Stewart, who moved there just over a year ago, said all they need is the land, even if they have to pay because they are ready to relocate and rebuild.
According to a press statement from the CH&PA, they have given their word that they will address the concerns of squatters residing in the South Liliendaal to Cummings Park area, popularly called Sophia.
CH&PA’s Chief Executive Officer, Lelon Saul met with Clayton Jarvis, the leader of the group of squatters who protested.
Jarvis, himself a squatter, acknowledged the illegality of their actions, but pressed for the agency to address applications for squatters who have been in the system for a lengthy period.

The statement pointed out that Jarvis will work together with the CH&PA and the Anti-Squatting Task Force of Constituencies 5 and 6 to remove those persons who are owners of house lots, but continue to squat nevertheless.
He also agreed to police the reserves to ensure that no new structures are erected on there; to provide status updates on applications submitted by the squatters; and to facilitate the registration of new applicants who are squatting on the reserves in the two constituencies.
Several illegal buildings sitting on government reserves were demolished last Thursday as the CH&PA, with support from the Public Infrastructure Ministry, moved in on squatters residing in South Liliendaal in the vicinity of ‘A’ Field Sophia.
According to a CH&PA official, who was on the ground that day, the exercise targeted buildings which were abandoned or recently erected, and those owned by squatters who have been allocated house lots but have not made any attempt to relocate.
A total of 21 structures were demolished, the housing authority reported on Thursday afternoon. The exercise was planned after extensive consultation with sister agencies and community representatives.
Equipped with sledgehammers, CH&PA workers, from as early as 08:00hrs on Thursday began to tear down the illegal structures in full view of residents who had swarmed the street, not only to get a glimpse of the undertaking but to voice their objection.