Concern is mounting among some residents of Gall Hill, St John, over the deteriorating condition of the old branch library, which they say has fallen into more disrepair after a man took up residence on the property.
When a Weekend Nation team visited the area on Tuesday, the man, known to residents as “Patchy”, was seen sitting on the pavement outside the library wearing only a shirt and underwear, with Black Belly sheep staked nearby. The steps leading to the building’s entrance were littered with garbage, discarded clothing and other debris.
One resident, who asked not to be named, said the man has been living at the library since last year. she stressed that he has not posed a direct threat to the community.
“He needs to be placed somewhere. They have to look for somewhere to put him. I also want there to be cleaned up. it is in a state,” she said, expressing concern both for his wellbeing and the condition
of the property.
Residents say the situation has gradually worsened, with increasing amounts of waste accumulating around the building. Harriet Husbands, another resident who is familiar with the man, said she has repeatedly contacted authorities in an effort to address the issue.
“I called them three times because that inviting a lot of rats over here and I does sell food too and that has me really annoyed,” she said, voicing frustration over what she described as a growing public health risk.
According to Husbands, the man brings additional garbage to the site daily, exacerbating the problem. She also recounted an incident in which workers from the Sanitation Service Authority attempted to remove the debris but were reportedly confronted by the man.
Husbands said that on Monday, a police officer and a representative from the David Thompson Health and Social Services Complex visited the location, assessed the situation and assured residents that steps would be taken.
On Tuesday, an official from the same facility confirmed that the property falls under the responsibility of the Ministry of Housing, Maintenance and Land. The ministry acknowledged they were aware of the issue and indicated that arrangements were being made to clean and secure the premises.
