THE EDITOR, Sir:
DURING THE 1980 General Election campaign, which started some 14 months before the election in October, these fisher folk were forced from the Hunts Bay fishing beach (behind Seaview Gardens) due to political violence. It was the 'burning out' phase of the war and these folk lost their sheds/homes and fishing gear.
With shattered hopes and livelihood they moved unto the lands along the Causeway beach where they, up to a few days ago, found temporary safety and shelter two of mankind's basic needs.
Squatting in any form is illegal and I am in no way condoning such acts. The fisher folk have acknowledged this and there is no way anyone expects the agencies and the Government to give a blind eye. The land is now needed to facilitate the construction of Highway 2000, so what?
It is true, that the settlers along this strip have grown in numbers over the 24 years that they have been allowed to stay on these lands. Of course, not all 130 men and women can be classified as squatters. There are three sets of illegal occupiers:
The fish vendors who built stalls and sell along this strip.
The fisher folk who use this as a base/port for resting, storing equipment and gear.
The persons who actually live on these lands.
Portmore is one of the fastest growing residential areas and now has approximately 30 low-income housing developments. Unfortu-nately, these squatters are unable to afford as much as a quad. In as much as fishing is one of the oldest trades, it is one of the 'lowest' occupations and these professionals are given the same level of importance in our society.
PAID PACKAGE
Now, Highway 2000 is upon their tails and NROCK paid each of the 130 persons an amount of $15,000 a package promised for them to move over unto the other side where NROCK had marled, pressed and prepared for them to relocate.
A few days later, came Port Authority serving notices giving seven days to vacate. These two agencies of Government failed miserably to communicate and make one sensible decision or to find a workable solution.
While all this 'office politicking' seems to going on, the livelihood of these Jamaicans has been severely affected. The fisher folk told me that they spent the past 2 1/2 weeks gathering materials and constructing new sheds and that they have not gone out to sea. This is their bread and butter and it truly hurts to watch the scant regard given to these hard-working Jamaicans.
These folk should have been relocated years ago and a proper fishing village built, equipped with water, electricity and sanitary facilities. After almost a quarter of a century they are issued with a seven days notice. Where is the evidence that we care for and respect our poor? Where is the evidence that there was any plan, which includes consideration for these fisher folk?
Surely, they are monitored and licensed by the Fisheries Division of the Ministry of Agriculture and they make their contribution to the economy, however small. Many of us travel weekly to the Causeway to purchase fish. It is very sad the way these people have been bounced around without any decency and respect.
Clearly, Highway 2000 cannot be stopped and yes, we need to relocate these folk BUT remember these are Jamaicans and they have a right to live and be treated with respect too.
I am, etc.,
CARLENE SINCLAIR
Kingston 6
