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Rock Hall Solid as a Rock

Posted as a comment by Artax to Successive Governments Turn Blind Eye to Squatters at Grantley Adams International Airport What is the latest information on the squatters at Rock Hall? Or, as is usual with certain issues in Barbados, after all the furor and condemnation, it seems as though people have forgotten about the “Rock Hall…

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Posted as a comment by Artax to Successive Governments Turn Blind Eye to Squatters at Grantley Adams International Airport

What is the latest information on the squatters at Rock Hall?

Or, as is usual with certain issues in Barbados, after all the furor and condemnation, it seems as though people have forgotten about the “Rock Hall squatters” …………. and apparently the issue has become a “nine day wonder?”

I understand a few weeks ago, government officials visited Rock Hall, took certain information from some of the squatters, and offered to sell them land somewhere in St. George. I also heard the illegal non-nationals ran away when the officials arrived, but returned after they left to ask what occurred.

Has anything been done to regularize the status of those illegal non-nationals who have illegally occupied land at Rock Hall and built houses there?

Or, since they continue to break the law by residing in Barbados and occupying land illegally, will they be deported?

Has government begun to the disburse the $25,000 Mottley promised the squatters and will the illegal non-nationals be eligible to receive the money?

210 responses to “Rock Hall Solid as a Rock”

  1. Artax Avatar
    Artax

    “Where there is no vision, the people perish. Barbadians are perishing, and nobody cares.”

    Mr. Codrington

    I agree with your above comments wholeheartedly. Why?? I’ll give you two examples.

    Some years ago when government was about to demolish the Fairchild Street market, they build a temporary market called the “Golden Square Temporary Market and Food Court,” in Probyn Street, on the site where the “Plaza Cinema” was located.

    The vendors that relocated from Fairchild Street to Golden Square have to pay a monthly rate for market space. As you may be aware, markets usually have opening and closing times.

    The food court is supposed to open Monday to Thursday from 7:00AM to 6:00PM and on Fridays and Saturdays, from 7:00AM to 8:30PM. Since business is slow except on Fridays, some vendors opt to remain home, while those that open usually close about 2:00PM. This gives the supervisor and cleaners an opportunity to clean and leave sometimes as early as 2:00PM. Saturdays is usually slow as well and the vendors would leave before 7:00PM

    The only day the food court vendors actually make money is when they hold a karaoke session on Fridays, which finishes at 8:30PM. From the time the karaoke finishes, the market supervisor comes into the market, slamming the counters and SHOUTING at the vendors to close the stalls without giving them enough time to pack up. The supervisor even went to the Ministry of Agriculture to ask officials there to “dun de karaoke.”

    These ungrateful marker workers want to make life difficult for the vendors.

    Here is the difference. The environs of the old FS market is rat infested and because there aren’t any toilet facilities, people piss and shit anywhere, so the area smells shitty and pissy.

    Illegal non-nationals, predominately from Guyana and Jamaica, built illegal stalls that area, where they sell food and beverages, WITHOUT the required liquor licenses and health certificates…… and APPROPRIATE toilet facilities. They also have the privilege of operating RENT FREE with UNLIMITED opening time.

    Where are the market officials and health inspectors?

    I can tell you where the health inspectors can be found. A friend of mine decided to sell food (take away) from a stall she built next to her house. it is mandatory for people selling food to have toilet facilities if they provide customers with seating.
    She placed a table and a few chairs so customers could sit while waiting for food. The health inspectors closed her down because she had a few chairs and not any toilet facilities. Her explanation that it was a “buy and go” service fell on deaf ears.

    How is it we can purchase food and beverages from illegal non-nationals in illegally built stalls, operating without liquor licenses and health certificates, have seating but not any toilet facilities….. in an area where the strong aroma of piss and shit fills the air……

    ……… but health inspectors close down a woman for a few chairs and no toilet facilities?

    Only in Barbados.

  2. TLSN Avatar
    TLSN

    Which demographic group represents the most danger to our majority population. Is it these landless, illegal, migrant squatters who are 100% determine to grab by all means necessary a life in Barbados or is it the wealthy white foreigner who appears determined to purchase all land adjacent to a beach.

    Consider this, Barbados viewed from outside is an economic basket case. Barbados does not have the capacity to reshape or grow her economy. The only inevitably is that the country will continue to regress perhaps in perputity.

    The native population will revolt. Bad things will occur. The demographic group with the wealth will depart. What of this unwanted group of resolute Caribbean squatters? They will remain entrenched and ever more ambitious to carve out more territory for themselves and their families. This group of people will use force and violence to extract the maximum in order to cement their place in our society. Take a good look at the homicide rates of the countries from which they are leaving.

    No Barbados politician will admit this. The so-called freedom of movement within Caricom will ensure that Barbados will become (if it has not already) another broken English speaking Caribbean nation where hope left town a long time ago.

  3. Mariposa Avatar
    Mariposa

    The only way PM can resolved this issue in the most correct and proper manner is to be guided by the Constitution which gives the courts a legal right to look into these hard issues
    Which in effect would remove the politics of “inclination” or favoritism giving the squatters and govt a fair and legal right for determination

  4. GP Avatar
    GP

    artax

    what you are really saying is
    1- the health inspectors are on one hand, not as strict as they ought to be or used to be, where and when they should
    2- the health inspectors are on the other hand, not exercising reason and flexibility as they ought and as they used to in the pass with great effect,

  5. Hants Avatar
    Hants

    Government should also give $25000 to each the Bajan young men on the blocks in Barbados. Fair is fair.

  6. TLSN Avatar
    TLSN

    Artax, you are aware that if these illegals are unable to hustle and make some money that they will find other nefarious ways to acquire monies. The government are aware of this. They are not prepared to upset other Caribbean leaders.

    Expect the bar to be continually lowered.

  7. Artax Avatar
    Artax

    “In cases such as the squatters govt has began to set a dangerous precedent by giving the squatters a right of privilege under a banner called “humanatarian rights”…”

    I know it would be a difficult task for you to undertake…..you need to look at this situation rationally rather than through your one-sided political lens.

    The dangerous precedent has been set YEARS AGO when the number of illegal houses at Rock Hall were allowed to increase unabated from 96 in 2007 to 300 in 2018.

    And the time span from 2007 to 2018 meant this action was allowed to occur under successive BLP and DLP administrations.

    How about in 2014, under YOUR administration, when Rock Hall was cleared, but illegal non-nationals returned and settled on or commandeered every available square foot ……. securing “house spots” for their relatives and friends in the process?

    Surely you’ve read the Audit General’s 2018 report re:

    “In addition to the increase in squatting that was determined during the site visits, it was also observed that the traditional chattel house structures were being replaced with more permanent concrete structures.”

    “Most of the houses showed evidence of being outfitted with electricity, telephone, WATER, and in the Belle Gully area, natural gas. No water meters were seen on some of these properties.”

    “Personnel from the Ministry of Housing indicated that the Ministry of Transport and Works CONSTRUCTED ASPHALT ROADS within the Licorish Village/Belle area which PROVIDED easy access to the land for the squatters. At Six Men‟s, there is a main marl road which branches off into five (5) other gaps/roads. Personnel from the Ministry indicated that this TYPE of ACTIVITY has ENCOURAGED and FACILITATED further squatting.”

    “THIS INDICATES THAT THE SQUATTERS SEE THEIR CONDITION AS PERMANENT.”

    I know you’re fulfilling the agenda of your George Street paymasters by attempting to confine the squatting issue specifically to this Mottley led administration.

    But sensible people know otherwise.

  8. Sargeant Avatar
    Sargeant

    @Artax

    If the sanitation environment in the Fairchild St market is as dire as per your report who is buying the food? BTW the authorities closed down Sheraton food court for a few days because as my brother said “Johnny Postles” and I believe there were other concerns but no one is talking, maybe the Fairchild St. patrons are at the bottom of the social ladder in Bim while those at Sheraton are higher up the food chain.

  9. Donna Avatar
    Donna

    I am not going to demonize immigrants, illegal or otherwise, neither am I ever going to show shades of Trump. But there are many hardworking Bajans who are struggling to keep a roof over their heads and have no access to land. These people have Barbadian children just as well as the non Barbadian squatters. These Bajans followed the law. Are they not human?

    You David can talk nonsense for the rest of the day but CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME and LAWBREAKERS SHOULD NOT BE REWARDED FOR THEIR LAWBREAKING. This encourages further lawbreaking.

    Jamaica and Guyana are not EL Salvador. And if anyone can show that they have just cause to fear for their lives they can be granted asylum.

    PS. This is not emotional talk. This is just common sense. And if the law says anything else then the law is an ass and we should advocate for a change in the law not accept ass backwards laws in the name of being humane.

  10. Artax Avatar
    Artax

    TLSN

    Sometime last year Guyana was experiencing problems with Venezuelans who claimed to be of Guyanese heritage, squatting on lands they claimed were owned by their fore-parents.

    According to a report in the June 21, 2018 edition of “Amsterdam News:”

    “Junior Indigenous Affairs Minister Valeria Lowe said: “Not every indigenous person coming out of Venezuela, or Suriname for that matter, has a claim to Guyanese citizenship,” Foreign Minister Carl Greenidge said. “Not every Guyanese has a right to land that their father, let alone other forbears, may have claimed.”

    “It goes without saying that not everyone approaching Guyana’s borders and claiming to be Guyanese CAN HAVE RIGHTS to our land.”

  11. David Avatar
    David

    @Donna

    Let us understand what you are saying. You will ease the illegal properties at a rock hall with zero consideration to squatters. You should bear in mind many are squatting because they cannot find affordable accommodation. In addition some are Bajans and non Barbadian with valid immigrant status. In other words not all squatters are undocumented.

    Truly a Christian society we have here.

  12. Miller Avatar
    Miller

    @ Artax October 3, 2019 2:10 PM
    “Here is the difference. The environs of the old FS market is rat infested and because there aren’t any toilet facilities, people piss and shit anywhere, so the area smells shitty and pissy.
    Illegal non-nationals, predominately from Guyana and Jamaica, built illegal stalls that area, where they sell food and beverages, WITHOUT the required liquor licenses and health certificates…… and APPROPRIATE toilet facilities. They also have the privilege of operating RENT FREE with UNLIMITED opening time.”
    ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

    And all this is taking place right in the ‘heart’ of the so-called World Heritage Site of ye ole Bridgetown now broken down.

    Unless urgent attention is paid to rectifying the current awful unhealthy and unsafe state of Bridgetown you can bet your last Banks beer and cheese cutter that Bridgetown will soon be removed from that prestigious list kept by UNESCO.

    What are the authorities waiting for?
    For an outbreak of the bubonic plague or something similar to what took place at that very ‘Fairchild Street’ site around the 1850’s?

    The tourism officials should ask themselves why so many cruise ship visitors would rather stay onboard than risk their health and personal safety walking through the shi**t hole with the sign: ‘Welcome to the “Best Pit Toilet in the Caribbean”.

  13. Hal Austin Avatar
    Hal Austin

    @RLSN

    You are rIght and you are wrong. Wrong because we cannot as a society allow people to benefIt from breaking the law, and in the process deprIve the rightful owners of property access to that property. The perceived threat of law-breaking is untenable. If they break the law they should be dealt wIth through due process.
    You are right in that the squatter scandal exposes the wider problem of the lack of decent social housing in Barbados. I remember one of the Lashleys MPs, when the DLP was in Opposition, claimed that there were about 30000 homeless in Barbados.
    I can believe that. The hidden homeless are the homes with two, three and four generations living under the same roof, and many of these are professional people.
    Governments, both DLP and BLP, have failed the people; and this has been going since November 30, 1966. Grantley Adams dealt with a similar problem in the 1950s.
    We are not good at discussing policy, we like the cut and thrust of party bias. Again, this strengthens the case for a Barbados-domiciled bank – every young graduate and employed family should have access to a mortgage. Foreign-owned banks could not care less about the development of our country, apart from making money.

  14. Miller Avatar
    Miller

    @ Donna October 3, 2019 2:24 PM

    So how else is Barbados going to arrive at that magical optimal population level needed (according to the policymakers) to sustain economic growth and underwrite the country’s welfare state given the serious challenge of an aging or graying Barbados?

    The so-called educated Bajan women (making up over 70 % of the tertiary education graduates) are not producing at the rate necessary to sustain the population at its current level.

    In order to achieve this demographic goal of a larger younger population would you recommend that government impose a tax on the working segment of the population in order to incentivize the reproductive efforts of that large segment of the youth called the “Voluntary Idle”?

  15. Donna Avatar
    Donna

    David,

    30″ Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor AS YOURSELF.”.

    Mark 12:31

    Not more than yourself, David.

    Say David I get a hefty insurance settlement as befits my injuries through the herculean efforts of Attorney Jackman (ha ha). My numerous relatives are all about to be evicted from their homes. What would you say if I paid the mortgages for each of my relatives and neglected my own, thereby being evicted along with my young son?

  16. Donna Avatar
    Donna

    Years ago my son did a primary school project on Bridgetown. We spent two Saturdays exploring the entire city. He had to write a poem about the experience. The first verse was about the stinky stalls and urine walls, the dirty garbage and the stinky smoke, the cheeky birds and sneaky rats and the sweaty, sticky skin. The verse ended with “YUCK!” Fairchild Street was the “inspiration” for that verse. The last two verses were positive though once we hit Queen’s Park and Cave Shepherd it was all good. Bridgetown could and should be salvaged.

    PS. Sorry for speaking about my son again but as usual it is relevant and I am speaking from my experience. (Not really sorry)

  17. Artax Avatar
    Artax

    Sargeant

    GP

    Health inspectors would routinely examine food preparation techniques and storage of food of the fried and grilled fish vendors in Baxter’s Road. If found not to be inadequate or unsanitary, the vendors are either asked to dump the food or bleach is thrown on it…… or they are ordered to close their businesses.

    Each horse racing day, health inspectors inspect the stalls of food vendors at least twice that particular day. If conditions are found to be unsanitary, a fate similar to that of the Baxter’s Road vendors awaits them.

    Don’t get me wrong, there isn’t anything wrong with that…… and the guys/gals are doing their jobs.

    However, I’ve NEVER seen or HEARD a health inspector visiting the environs of the old Fairchild Street, to examine stalls, how food is prepared or stored and asking food vendors there to stop selling food because of unhealthy or unsanitary conditions.

    Why???

  18. Donna Avatar
    Donna

    MillerOctober 3, 2019 3:01 PM

    @ Donna October 3, 2019 2:24 PM

    So how else is Barbados going to arrive at that magical optimal population level needed (according to the policymakers) to sustain economic growth and underwrite the country’s welfare state given the serious challenge of an aging or graying Barbados?
    ++++++++++++++++++++++

    There is such a thing as legal immigration.

  19. Greene Avatar
    Greene

    a plane load of non nationals should arrive tomorrow and go straight to Rock Hall and start erecting shanties.

  20. Mariposa Avatar
    Mariposa

    Ok Artax if past govts set precedents which aid on encouraging illegal squatters
    What good is it now for prsent govt to build on to those precedents which would most likely encourage squatters
    As i previuosly indicated any kind of precedent set can lend squatters to have a sense of entitlement which can eventually lead to a court challenge between govt and squatters
    So all you inferences about past govt does not take away the fact that squatters do have a right under the constitution to pursue justice with an entitlement of fair and equitable justice

  21. Miller Avatar
    Miller

    @ Donna October 3, 2019 5:32 PM
    “There is such a thing as legal immigration.”
    ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

    You should have told that to the thousands of Bajans who ran way to the grand ole USA like the Florida-bound 1950’s band of ‘pretend’ cane-cutters to the 1970’s cohort of domestic workers of ‘educated’ nannies.

    If foreigners don’t come to Barbados, illegally, who would do all the low-paid dirty jobs on the Island of educated poor-great Bajan-born army of all generals?

    Who would the hard-working (mostly married) Bajan men of horny dispositions find to satisfy their carnal desires for exotic meat if ‘foreigners’ are not imported, illegally, to work in the many clubs and be turned into human fillies engaged in nocturnal exercises around the Garrison Savannah?

  22. Donna Avatar
    Donna

    Miller,

    My mother immigrated by invitation. I am a Barbadian by descent, status in order. I cannot answer for other Barbadians who break the immigration laws of other countries.. I have never complained if they are deported. I certainly would not argue that Bajan illegal immigrants and squatters should be given $25,000 to relocate. I don’t see why the people can’t come legally to do the same jobs the poor great Bajans don’t want to do. And as for the nasty men, I see no need to provide for their nastiness and I do not see women as “meat” exotic or otherwise.

    PS. If more Bajan men were reliable fathers and spent more time at home with their wives instead of in the many clubs I’m sure the Bajan women would have more children.

  23. NorthernObserver Avatar
    NorthernObserver

    @enuff
    Wait, u back at the trucks?
    I told u, 6 months to get 2 (impressive?), now 9 months and no more after being told more will be here in 2 months, and now you talking sh!!te about logistics?
    You think the 2 arrived without logistics? Nobody is denying the past failures which led to these problems.
    Yet acquiring a few trucks isn’t difficult, UNLESS you don’t have the money?? Many hands make light work? Since I or you could likely source and acquire trucks, and find a company to ship them in a matter of days, you know there is a hidden problem and it isn’t logistics.
    I was somewhat surprised given the financial state, the decision was made to buy new trucks. Or calling upon a group with $$$ to back a lease agreement.
    Frankly the people don’t care so much on the “how”, once it isn’t a corrupt laden exercise.

  24. Miller Avatar
    Miller

    @ Donna October 3, 2019 6:58 PM
    “If more Bajan men were reliable fathers and spent more time at home with their wives instead of in the many clubs I’m sure the Bajan women would have more children.”
    ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

    That admonition is just as applicable to the black American of British male as it is to the Bajan male. Is the ‘average’ Jamaican black male any different to the average Bajan ‘wutless’ male or for that matter Trinidadian black male?

    How do you explain that around 70% of births in Bim are to ‘single’ mothers?

    What we would like you to comment on are the sociological implications for the Bajan society where over 70 % of the student population at university level is female.

    Would these ‘graduated’ workplace climbers be prepared to take a few steps down the social ladder (in Bajan parlance, “marry down”) and find love and happiness with the less ambitious boys on the blocks in order to fulfill the natural order of ‘matching’ which should lead to many hatchlings?

  25. Enuff Avatar
    Enuff

    “Wrong because we cannot as a society allow people to benefIt from breaking the law, and in the process deprIve the rightful owners of property access to that property. The perceived threat of law-breaking is untenable. If they break the law they should be dealt wIth through due process.”

    So on what grounds was the rasta family in the Sagicor matter standing, if not legal? Does this not show that lawfulness in such instances is temporal? So what is unlawful becomes lawful and vice versa for the parties involved over time?

  26. Donna Avatar
    Donna

    Oh shoot! I really need to get some sleep! “immigrated” lol

  27. Artax Avatar
    Artax

    RE: “Ok Artax if past govts set precedents which aid on encouraging illegal squatters….”

    My friend, the evidence is there to indicate previous BLP and DLP administrations allowed precedents that “aid in encouraging squatting” and the squatters already have “a sense of entitlement.”

    RE: “What good is it now for prsent govt to build on to those precedents which would most likely encourage squatters?”

    Please explain how this “present government” is building on those precedents previously set, which, according to you, “would most likely encourage squatters?”

    To be fair, this present administration is faced with considering TWO choices.

    (1). Destroy the houses illegally built on squatters settlements.

    (2). Relocating the squatters as a humanitarian gesture, implementing policies to restrict squatting and providing affordable housing or a social housing program.

    RE: “As i previuosly indicated any kind of precedent set can lend squatters to have a sense of entitlement which can eventually lead to a court challenge between govt and squatters.”

    It is ludicrous for you to suggest that some perceived sense of entitlement would “eventually lead to a court challenge between government and squatters.” Do you know what are the squatters’ rights under the law.

    RE: “So all you inferences about past govt does not take away the fact that squatters do have a right under the constitution to pursue justice with an entitlement of fair and equitable justice.”

    The problem with you is that, for biased political reasons, you’re refusing to look at this issue rationally. You are attempting to absolve the DLP of any blame in this situation and you’re adamant that by offering a humanitarian gesture, the Mottley administration is encouraging squatting, which is silly.

    You cannot look at this issue WITHOUT considering the roles past “GOVERNMENTS” (NOT “GOVERNMENT”) played in encouraging squatting.

    Therefore, if “squatters do have a right under the constitution to pursue justice with an entitlement of fair and equitable justice,” as you are suggesting…………. then, that “right” was given to them by BOTH the BLP and DLP.

    As I previously mentioned, the evidence is there to indicate both BLP & DLP administrations have not only provided the infrastructure, such as roads for squatters (as outlined in the Auditor General’s reports),…. but they also turned a “blind eye” to the illegal activity because they value such communities as safe pockets of votes.

  28. Sargeant Avatar
    Sargeant

    The subject of squatters sent me checking to see what was said in previous blogs about squatters and I found this based on a comment by Trevor (Not Jesus) Prescod and it was titled “Who Maloney think he is” because Maloney objected to the suggestion by Prescod that Maloney should let squatters occupy his units at Coverley. Well we know who is squatting at Coverly, and we know who is laughing all the way to the Bank.

    https://barbadosunderground.net/2016/02/27/who-maloney-think-he-is/#comments

  29. David Avatar
    David

    Two questions we need to ask about squatting:

    Why do people squat?

    What do efficient governments respond?

    Here is a link out of the UK.

    Is there squatting in the UK?

    https://www.squatter.org.uk/squatting-international/

  30. Mariposa Avatar
    Mariposa

    The response relating to the AG of Bahamas inbhis recents comments regarding illegal immigrants mostly Haitians removal
    The response on social media has been those of comdemnation towards the PM and the govt inhumane response most of which i happen to agree with the outrage given that those mostly affected are being thrown out at a time when the availabity of their financial resources would be lost or not accessible which would have aid in giving them some method of movement to leave the country
    The Bahamian govt has shown itself to be a dick head after receiving billion of dollars from countries all over the world
    However shows it lack the humanitarian heart to use those funds towards the most vulnerable who most needs the help

  31. TheOGazerts Avatar
    TheOGazerts

    A few days before the hurricane, Bahamian immigration was ‘boasting’ about the number of Haitians deported that week. This is just a continuation of their immigration policy.

    Of course, I have sympathy for Bahamians and I wish the country a speedy recovery.

  32. Mariposa Avatar
    Mariposa

    But it is amazing how Artax can confused the two issues one where squatters are setting up homes illegally
    The other where a dire need of humantarian concern is warranted to a group of Hatians were caught up into natures warth and govt of the Bahamas has sounded the most cruel and inhumane warning bell asking the Haitian people to leave the Bahamas
    At this time even the devil would be shaking his head with digust
    Especially at a govt who received billions of dollars of aid to help the country and people
    Hard to understand the mentality of the Bahamian govt and its ruthless approach to the Haitian illegal immigrants who like the legal immigrants have no resources or funding to get out of the island
    The devastation tells a story that cries out for love and not political maneuvers

  33. Donna Avatar
    Donna

    We would also be well served by studying WHY PEOPLE IN SIMILAR CIRCUMSTANCES DON”T SQUAT. I have no problem with the people being re-sited. They should just be made to pay for it at a manageable rate.

  34. Donna Avatar
    Donna

    The only Bahamians I know are some trainee priests at the time studying at Codrington College. They did not like Bajans. They said Bajans think Barbados is all that but it ain’t saying nothing compared to the Bahamas. (I have never heard Bajans denigrating the Bahamas.) They then proceeded to sponge off the same Bajans for the duration of their studies.

    I could not overcome my feelings and send the Bahamas any money.

  35. Artax Avatar
    Artax

    Or you mean it’s amazing how YOU could confuse yourself.

    On one hand you’re saying government offering to relocate the Rock Hall squatters for humanitarian reasons would, according to you, build on precedents set by previous administrations, “which would most likely ENCOURAGE squatting.”

    You also “indicated any kind of precedent set can lend squatters to have a sense of entitlement which can eventually lead to a court challenge between govt and squatters” and “does not take away the fact that squatters do have a right under the constitution to pursue justice with an entitlement of fair and equitable justice.”

    On the other hand, you seem to be suggesting that, after receiving billions of dollars (in aid for Bahamians) from countries all over the world,” the Bahamian government “lacks the humanitarian heart to use those funds towards the most vulnerable who most needs the help,” which in this case, are the illegal Haitian squatters that were displaced by hurricane “Dorian.”

    But, I have two (2) questions for you.

    (1). Do you believe if the Bahamian government uses the funds to provide housing for the illegal Haitian squatters, it would likewise be setting a precedent “which would most likely encourage squatting” and “any kind of precedent set can lend squatters to have a sense of entitlement which can eventually lead to a court challenge between govt and squatters?”

    (2). What, in your opinion, should the Barbados government do as it relates to those squatters at Rock Hall that are:

    ………. (a). Barbadians or legally documented non-nationals whose income cannot afford them to rent or qualify to apply for loans or mortgages to purchase property.

    ………. (b). undocumented non-nationals.

  36. Hal Austin Avatar
    Hal Austin

    Squatting s illegal in the UK.

  37. Vincent Codrington Avatar
    Vincent Codrington

    @ Hal
    @ Donna
    @ Artax

    It would seem to me that the Rock Hall problem could be partially solved by deporting the illegal immigrants . They cannot be illegal and have squatters right,if there is such a right.

    The second approach is to remove the Bajan squatters from a dump which is unsafe and a threat to life and to safe aviation.

    Investigate and prosecute those who granted permission for roads, public utilities and inclusion on the electoral list.

    It boggles the mind that those we elected to manage an orderly society should appear to be endorsing wanton disregard for law and disorderly behaviour. We ,the citizens of this country deserve better..

  38. Vincent Codrington Avatar
    Vincent Codrington

    @ David BU

    Even in the days when per capita GDP was 25% of what it is today we never had shanty towns. Why are we allowing non- Barbadians to introduce these features into our landscape? Have we all gone soft in the head? Where is our pride? Do we like the man/woman we see in the mirror in the mornings? Do we recognize him/her?

  39. Hal Austin Avatar
    Hal Austin

    @ Vincent

    You are right. What we are witnessing is the coalescing of a number of positive and negative values: the illegality of squatting and votes; compassion fore the underdog and turning a blind eye to illegals; a commitment to CARICOM and accepting bad behaviour by fellow Caribbeans; the failure of the rule of law and the shadow of violence; rewarding illegality while depriving the rightful owners.
    We are in a mess and our lawyer/politicians are too incompetent to do anything about it. VOTE THEM OUT..

  40. Mariposa Avatar
    Mariposa

    Artax dont get my comments twisted
    The gravity and intensity of the hurricane now coupled by pressure from the Bahamian govt begs for love and compassion for the Haitian illegal immigrants
    None of the same circumstances can be related to the squatters in barbados
    Hence govt political maneuvers towards the squatters should be called out as politricks

  41. Artax Avatar
    Artax

    I did not “get (your) comments twisted,” I asked you a few simple questions.

    What I would ask you now is, should the Barbados government not show “love and compassion for the Guyanese, Jamaican and Vincentian illegal immigrants who, not having anywhere to live, are squatting at Rock Hall…….

    ……… or should government show that “love and compassion” only if we are unfortunately hit by a natural disaster?

    RE: “Hence govt political maneuvers towards the squatters should be called out as politricks.”

    Are you suggesting that, any means used to accommodate squatters, OTHER than reasons as a result of natural disasters, must be interpreted as “political maneuvers towards the squatters (and) should be called out as politricks?”

  42. Mariposa Avatar
    Mariposa

    Artax i already said in many of my comments what alternatives the govt of barbados have to resolve the squatting problem
    Be them of other nationalities and it comprises a democratic resolution which includes love and compassion
    However absent of political politricks

  43. Dullard Avatar
    Dullard

    Dear Squatters,

    You have done well thus far. Keep at it . The messiah complex of our dear PM will lead to much largesse being dispensed on your behalf. Besides, your votes could be timely with Bert being all but dead and the native population growing increasingly disappointed.

    If only the Dullard weren’t travelling I would risk a ting too and see if i could get a free house compliments the cash-strapped and tired Bajan tax payers.

    Maloney squatting, foreigners squatting, why don’t the beaten up middle class join the party and look fuh a lil squat too?

  44. NorthernObserver Avatar
    NorthernObserver

    @Artax
    Because I don’t know.
    What makes someone not holding a Barbadian birth certificate or passport “illegal”?
    Among all the various conventions to which Barbados is a signatory, at what point does a ” visitor” become an illegal immigrant.
    At what point does a Caricom national become “illegal”.

  45. Hal Austin Avatar
    Hal Austin

    The IMF is forecasting that the Guyana economy will start growing from next year, and may reach an 85 per cent growth. Jobs may open up in Berbice and Georgetown.

  46. Vincent Codrington Avatar
    Vincent Codrington

    @ NO at 1:16 PM

    I think you are being mischievous. The same as everywhere else,when one overstays the date stamped in the passport by the immigration officer.

  47. Artax Avatar
    Artax

    NorthernObserver

    I don’t know either, but I’ll make a few suggestions that may assist you in knowing.

    Go to SVG and remain there after the mandatory 6 months stay expires…… and without applying to regularize your status as a resident or for an extension of stay.

    Commit a misdemeanor or be in the wrong place at the wrong time when immigration or police officers are conducting an operation. When asked to identify yourself, show them your Barbados passport, which would clearly indicate you did not leave SVG at the time your were required to do so.

    Write via BU tuh tell me wuh you find out?

  48. NorthernObserver Avatar
    NorthernObserver

    @VC
    Not mischievous at all. You cannot imagine the multitude of reasons for claiming refugee status. And how long these persons can remain in a ‘decision not rendered yet’ status. I am not referring to the basic ‘visitor’ who chooses not to leave when their visitor visa expires.
    What @Artax is writing is some Caricom member states enforce immigration rules. It also appears some do not?
    Is their an active market for ‘fake ID? Or is this a blind eye approach?

  49. Hants Avatar
    Hants

    off topic.

    “Police have confirmed that the man who was shot in the early hours of yesterday morning has died.”

  50. Mariposa Avatar
    Mariposa

    All of a sudden Commisiong voice is silent
    Wuh happen (now ) no more articles coming from his wagging tongue on BU i guess with all that money he now collects off the tax payers his loose tongue has been zipped
    Would like to hear his views on the Bahamian govt decision on the Haitians

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