THE EDITOR, Sir:DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE is about being responsible, responsive and representative. In essence, governance is about promoting and protecting the rights of citizens.
But what government agency, for example, is responsible for protecting the citizens against squatting and/or illegal vending?
I recently bought a house on Molynes Road in the vicinity of Arlene Gardens and Queensbury and just after moving in, a "gentleman" began setting up a stall on the sidewalk across from my house. I called the KSAC and was told by one of the officers that they could not do anything about it and continued to educate me as to what would have needed to be done to remove the vendor. One of the seemingly ridiculous comments the officer made was "KSAC would have to first establish whether the "squatter" owned (yes, owned) the portion of the sidewalk where the stall is located." I would have thought, government owned all the sidewalks of Jamaica but it would seem I have been misinformed.
I am currently paying a $51,000 mortgage; this squatter is paying nothing. I have paid a lot of taxes to government purchasing the property and will continue to pay taxes as long as I own this property. The squatter has paid nothing and is likely to continue to pay nothing while my property will, as a result of his action, begin and continue to depreciate in value. Who is responsible?
From experience, it would seem that a large number of Jamaicans are beginning to take the view that the authorities seem more inclined to punish legitimate actions over those actions that may even be deemed illegal. Is government action or inaction encouraging criminality and/or disorder? If we are not careful, the whole city may physically soon look like a big ghetto. Who is responsible?
It is my understanding that every citizen has a right to enjoy the quiet of his property. Now what can I do about this particular issue/problem? Isn't this some form of injustice? I need help! But, who is responsible?
I am, etc.,
JOHN BUSCAT
110B Molynes Road, Kingston 20
