THERE ARE SOME ISSUES affecting this country which cannot be wished away. Squatting is one.
This illegal activity is very evident in parts of St Philip and St Michael and other areas. It has been allowed to develop into a major headache.
Politicians, from either side of the divide, may find it a tough issue to deal with, given the likely impact on voters. But regardless of the ballot strength of a squatter community, the best interests of the country must come first.
It is easy for politicians to avoid dealing with this challenge, given that there is no easy solution. Importantly, those technocrats under whom such responsibility falls must ensure they enforce the laws for the good of all. The pandering evident from politicians and political activists is unacceptable.
Some years ago we saw the establishment of an illegal settlement – Rockers Alley – in heart of The City. It took the firm action of the police to address this illegality which threatened the commercial activity and sought to spoil the main commercial district.
The prevailing situations in The Belle, St Michael, Rock Hall, St Philip, and elsewhere are of a far greater threat than what obtained on Broad Street. These communities could potentially negatively undermine the country’s health and environment.
What we need now is similar courage and the resolve from those who have the authority to take action. Not the police in this instance. The public does not want excuses about why this problem is allowed to not only fester but grow.
These squatter settlements have no proper sanitation systems; lack adequate running water; most likely have no organised garbage collection and, because there has been no planning permission, have no proper physical layout. They are disasters in the making.
As a country, we have condoned a bad precedent. We should not be surprised if squatters decide to take root elsewhere, perhaps in some of the many unoccupied Government houses and apartments.
The squatters are occupying property to which they have no legal right, but by looking the other way we may very well witness an upsurge in this unacceptable situation. Not only people moving onto state and private lands to erect structures, but don’t be surprised if people whose leases have come to an end start refusing to move out.
The case of Sandra Walkes highlighted in last WEEKEND NATION may be just an example of what many people are encountering across Barbados. This is nothing but a brazen disregard for other people’s property.
Squatters do not have a legal right to occupy someone’s property. Admittedly, in some situations it can be a nightmare to evict them and difficult tenants. This is precisely the case now with those squatters at both The Belle and Rock Hall. They cannot be now placed on the streets. Tardiness in dealing with the situation means Government will have to find a solution. It must be just and equitable.
