Seaview Gardens residents being forced to move - Must leave land within 30 days

Residents of a section of Seaview Gardens were recently given 30 days notice by the Ministry of Housing, starting from September 10, to evacuate the area.

They have until October 10 to relocate or they will be removed.

Gregory Smith, who operates a cookshop on the land, told THE STAR that 30 days aren't sufficient for business owners.

"It no sound right because at the end of the day, you should even call a meeting before you give the person the notice. At the end of the day, you know we have stuff inna the place and in a month's time, we still a go have stuff leave in here because sometimes we buy things by bulk. So I think the 30 days is too early, and I think they should call a meeting with all of the business persons or whosoever, and we can talk and discuss whatever to discuss," he said.

Smith says the notice is completely disrespectful.

"To get a business place now or get a place to rent is very hard, especially all a place where you know busy. It too sudden. Definitely too sudden. Me not even deh here two months yet, me jus rent it. Me spend money and fix up place and now dis," he said.

Came as a surprise

A fruit vendor, Carol Young, says the notice came as a surprise.

"Here is where we do we likkle livelihood, I live just across there. Me caa do betta dan jus obey dem still, enuh," said Young. "Dem seh we fi leave. Me did decide my mind seh me a go leave. Me nuh inna no harassment wid dem. Jus a go pack up mi stuff dem and bring dem ova me house ... there is nothing we can do more than obey. And me did jus renovate in here enuh and tile it, and dem jus come like dat suh."

Sydney Taylor, who owns a little stall on the land, is completely dismayed.

"Well me neva really expect it and me nuh know weh me a go do because see a crutch me deh pon and a crutch me a walk wid. Me neva expect nothing like dis. Me nuh know wah mi plan fi do enuh," he said.

Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) caretaker for the area, Gregory Smith, told THE STAR that the people should've been contacted prior to the notice.

"I think they should meet with the people and have a consultation with them before just putting up the notice. Even putting up the notice ... I think they should leave some form of contact information where the people can get in touch with them," he said.

Smith says this can be done properly through the Community Development Committee (CDC).

"Everybody has to make a living regardless of the circumstances. Some people don't have a nine to five and do a little business to earn. Consultation is needed with the residents. They can do it through the CDC. I think that is very important to the people so they can know where they stand and what they're supposed to do going forward ... if they have to evacuate or if they're going to assist them in relocating or things like that," he said.