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**resident** » 2013-02-27 12:21

I hope is not the lands i see them claring down nearest to the football field they are putting squatters from perry bay Murrrrrrrrrrrrr rrr look a problem. I live in the area and when rain come me can't even get out. Dont talk about how the water is stink. Chester Huges do something you and Maulin Joseph know how it is down here

**OUTOFANTIGUA** » 2013-02-17 12:54

Seriously,this could be more than meet the eye. some one is going to benefit here these fellows is trying to find another way to make money, dont be fooled people.maybe xxxx needs his before 2014 election.

**OUTOFANTIGUA** » 2013-02-17 12:44

WHAT ABOUT THE GREAT FENCE BUILDERS OF ANTIGUA.THESE GOOD ENGINEERS MUST BE STILL AROUND AND WAITING TO GET RICH THEY CAN MAKE THIS EYE-SORE GO AWAY, WITH A SNAP OF THE FINGER AT LEAST UNTILL AFTER THE 2014 ELECTION AND THIS TIME, PAINT ON YOUR GLORIOUS PARTY COLORS.ITS JUST POLITICS U KNOW (SMOKE AND MIRROWS) BY NOW U GUYS SHOULD BE GOOD AT THIS.

**NYC** » 2013-02-17 10:59

Negotiations call for serious hard work and no one sems to be working real hard to help the poor.

**Future P.M.** » 2013-02-17 07:50

Where were all the elected and prospective representatives in all of this? PM Spencer, Malaika Parker, Anthony Stuart, Gail Christian, Lester Bird and Gaston Brown... Whey all aryu min dey? Since 2011, these people got the notice to move. Obviously, they needed some assistance. Where was the representation? Every Rep is there for ALL the people dem... not UPP or ALP supporters, so where there is a problem, then it is expected that the community leaders get involved and negotiate on behalf of the less fortunate. Symister and Southwell have to follow through with the legal part, but the humanitarian end has to be handled by Polititians and Community Leaders. Unfortunately, they were all MIA.

**NYC** » 2013-02-17 06:55

Start collecting the evidences and exhibits for the Brown Commission in 2014.

**Real Observer** » 2013-02-17 05:25

People of Cashew Hill please organize yourselves to fight off this degradation of your community. A relocation plan of this magnitude requires infrastructural development of roads, water, electricity and sewage before transfering thes decrepit and structurally unsound and unpleasing "houses" into your community.
If the government is not going to fix the problem don't allow them to shift all the ills of this community to your community. At their present location the country is spared an outbreak of deseases by the sea water but remember Cashew Hill is land locked. Look out my people. Stand up and fight

**tenman** » 2013-02-16 23:42

United States for more information on squatting let me direct you to page 74 of gefantigua.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/120103-Updated-NPDP-SIRMZP-January-2012.pdf (Sustainable island resource management plan). The squatting key areas are:
Quote:

1. Perry Bay 2. York's New extention 3. Piggotts 4. Gunthorp 5. Lightfoot 6. Mack Ponds 7. Freetown 8. Cobbs Cross 9. Nelson's Dockyard10. Jennings

It also points out that the major reason for squatting is the high price for lands. It states that because of this middle and low income persons resort to squatting. The demand for lands due in part by migration of Caribbean persons has helped in increasing the prices

..

**tenman** » 2013-02-16 23:07

UNITED STATES, you are wrong in your **sment about only non nationals being allowed to squat for that long. There are currently Antiguan's squatting on government lands in places like Jennings and Wilikies. Some time before 2004, a well known then government MP, told his constituents that they could squat on government land. He however told them to be reasonable about the size of land and not to worry, government will never move them. United States, so far his prediction has been kept. Where Perry Bay is concerned, there were no easy options, because it was allowed to go on for too long. You may not like it, but Government has no other choice but step in an offer them some solutions since most are citizens. Would you prefer them move to sleeping in the streets of St. John's?

..

**UNITED STATES** » 2013-02-16 22:49

How could those people allowed to squat on crown lands for 20 years.No Antiguan by birth would be allowed to do this.After the DCA gave them time to move.Those so called pastors moved in and upset the plan.My question is,where the heck were those pastors for the last 20 years.DCA you have just allowed those so called pastors to make a mockery of your office.How can you now go out there and remove others from crown lands.After you made a deadline decision and you allow outside forces to upstage you.The DCA and its leaders are not worth a damn.If I were the ruler in Antigua,I would fire all of your backsides.Get some backbone.We have to take back our country from those outside forces.They were not born there.They will one day become the government if you do not watch them closely.Antigua will become a spanish speaking country.And you the Antiguans by birth will become second class citizens in your own HOUSE.

**John French II** » 2013-02-16 22:43

Notes From A Native Sob Of The Rock! Thanks for the Info. Keep Hope Alive!

Just a Thought! Ottos & Ottos New Town with some help to improve infrastructure should be able to accommodate 75 Households quickly and would achieve the goal of mixed-use settlements.

New developments of that magnitude require much planning and a long delivery lead time unless built by the PRoC and we know the Resultant Quality then.

There are Housing Development Projects lying vacant and costing money. Could be Just another quick fix but with a myriad of services & transportation issues for the working poor.

Had they built their ideas on the knight's plan, they would be celebrating not contemplating and toing an froing.

With Respect!

**John French II** » 2013-02-16 21:40

Notes From A Native Son Of The Rock. You most doubtedly have better information.
From my reading it is a case of Capacity Building due to Lack of competent Human Resources.

Heaven Help The People of The country of Antigua & Barbuda including Redonda.

Go Well! Much Appreciated

**tenman** » 2013-02-16 20:46

John French II, my information on the census was that the design was bad. Others (yes that famous organization which spans the globe) have now been brought into the picture in order remedy the flaws by filling the gaps with further research. An article done by Caribarena provided some of the evidence of the bad design http://www.caribarena.com/antigua/news/latest/102888-date-uncertain-for-release-of-final-census-report.html . http://www.caribarena.com/antigua/news/latest/102980-cort-on-jobs-programme.html provides the proof the organization which demands real stats before releasing money, presence.

..

**Jane** » 2013-02-16 20:34

I heard the recording of a meeting with Minister and the squatters in which he promised that the GOVT has accessed a $22M grant and will be building 2 and 3 Bedroom appartments with sewage system and they will be given first preference to rent own according to their means.

**John French II** » 2013-02-16 20:09

Notes From A native Son Of The Rock! Since they decided to trot out the Environmentalis t, the SIRMZP should serve as a guide to hoist them on their own Petards. The SIRMZP addresses Physical Development Planning on Environmental Quality through Ecological Integrity & Environmental Risk. The area is recognized as an important biophysical area. Rastas look at the goole maps provided in Part One which make this visible. There is also a goole map, which was not provided, on fishing. Apologies to the Fishers.
The SIRMZP discusses Liveability & Accessibility. It provides Key Planning Priciples & Guidelines that should be applied when locating & building Cohesive Settlements. There is a Suitability Model for Vitality, Function & Attractiveness detailed in matrices of 13 each Components, Physical Planning Objectives and Planning priciples. Where are the Technocrats?
For Accessibilty a similar Guide is provided for Proximity, Public, Private & Commercial Transportation. Additionally the SIRMZP provide two maps showing that this area is outside the 15 minute Fire Response time & outside of the 10 minute Police cover and an incomplete network.
Oh Gad! Pray Wid Mi!

**John French II** » 2013-02-16 19:24

Notes From A Native Son Of The Rock! Here is the SIRMZP on: Quote:

Housing demand is a function of the growth in the number of independent households; the need to replace dwellings that are substandard... Housing supply by the Private Sector is related to market forces ... & expected profits. Governments may influence both housing demand & supply through measures such as subdivision control, building regulations, ... & direct incentives that encourage households to choose sustainable housing units.

The document goes further in recommending 1,184 housing units per year to 2030. It is instructional to note that the SIRMZP projected a population of 89,000 in 2010 which is not far off the 2011 Census number of 87774. Do you wonder why & when you will rceive the Management Information from the Census. It is clear that the Document figures can & should be used for planning given the small deviations. These important Planning Guides are Languishing on god forsaken dusty shelves while the Politicos flit here & there at dengue mosquitoes with nary a Vision, Mission or Strategy. Where are the Bureaucrats. They Stealthly hide behind The Environmentalis t's Skirt.

**John French II** » 2013-02-16 18:51

Notes From A Native Son Of The Rock! It was expecetd that the SIRMZP effort championed by the Hon. Min. of Agriculture & Lands with Executive Sponsorship from the DCA Board & Project Managed by The Acting Chief Town and Country Planner would have developed a Shared Vision for Development with the People of this SIDS. No one will be surprised to learn that instead of our State College students particpating, it was graduate students from the North Atlantic. How do you build a Shared vision, Mission, Strategic Plan with Your Future Citizens?
Here is the SIRMZP: Quote:

Promote the development of a network of cohesive mixed use settlements that offer a range of housing options that respond to different income levels and living preference while providing access to local commerce, public services and facilities; Develop a strong sense of community and quality of life: and, A collaborative 'bottom-up approach to development that involves individual residents, community groups as well as private and public stakeholders.

Has the SIRMZP been used as the guide to this Relocation (Transaction orTransformatio n). Is it gathering dust in the Darker Recesses of The DCA?

**John French II** » 2013-02-16 18:18

Notes From A Native Son Of The Rock! It has been said that Desperate Times call for Desperate Measures. Can this be a reflection or as the Ecclesiastics would say a sign of the times. CountryWome/Men , Quote:

Listen up everyone, I want you on the floor, on the floor! When I say face the ground, I mean on the floor, on the floor! Yeah, this is a (Relocation )So listen up while I wave my (Flag) Yeah, This is a (Cleansing of the Bairros Africanos). Be Patient 'cause I am really new at this. Be patient, I'm just so sensitive. What's the story? I want the headlines. What's the Story? ... I'll be on the news tonight - Desperate Times Call For Desperate Housewives.

GoAB has a history of relocations going back to the fifties. This mere voice in the wilderness has written of them. Why are we not trying to learn lessons from past mistakes. As Newton urges fight against Doom with Innovation and the Right People to attain the Innovative Good.
In 2011, GoAB completed a Study, funded with Foreign Money and engaged a Foreign Consultant. They Passed or should have passed a Law resultant from The Sustainable Island Resources Management Zoning Plan (SIRMZP).

**John French II** » 2013-02-16 16:50

Notes From A Native Son Of The Rock! Take your pick from the comment title in response to CA's article. That this is a most vexing & humanitarian issue is without question. However Jumbee Picknee you touched a funny bone which evoked visions of Quote:

Fat Charlie the Archangel sloped into the room He said I have no opinion about this and I have no opinion about that Sad as a lonely little wrinkled ballon He said well I don't claim to be happy about this, boys And I dont seem to be happy about that I don't want no part of this crazy love ... She says she knows about jokes This time the joke is on me Well I have no opinion about that And I have no opinion about me... Somebody say your life is on fire Its all over the evening news

The Transaction Plan: Relocate the Residents from Perry Bay to Cashew Hill. Here are two maps for your review: www.geody.com/geospot.php?world=terra&map=col&ufi=-1323193&alc=csh & itouchmap.com/?c=ac&UF=-1323193&UN=-1912468&DG=HLL
Friends, Visit Cooks Settlement after it rains. This will be Cooks writ large lacking in necessary infrastructure & services. Concern Citizen, Move to the DCA.

**leonard** » 2013-02-16 15:28

Moving the families to the Cashew Hill area would require lights, water roads and sanitary conditions if not available. How long will this take to get done?. Not knowing the area too well it seem that the eye sore is moving out of sight unless proper housing will be built. We do not need any ghetto areas established in Antigua. We seem to lack leadership and be firm when a decision is taken.

**Antigua Bill** » 2013-02-16 15:04

This guy in his humble arrogance will swear that he is good for Antigua. There is the Senator who took off to the US with no intent of returning but kept accepting tax payer’s money. That is also criminal and I say that they are criminals. It is now time for some good audit, start looking at these guys’ income and assets. Get rid of the **.

**Antigua Bill** » 2013-02-16 15:04

“PERRY BAY SQUATTERS MOVE TO CASHEW HILL” DCA head came in grand standing that they must vacate the area by the 2/15/2013. The squatters are still there and won’t be going anywhere anytime soon. The DCA head is also an attorney. What is wrong here? Proper planning, organizing communicating and implementing are all that is needed to deal with Perry Bay, not creating headline for publicity purposes. Everyone knows that election is around the corner. Getting tax payers money and not doing your job is a crime. The Finance and Economic Minister another attorney should be considered as the most unpatriotic politician and tried for xxxxn for the handling of the HMB affair. Blatantly refuses to do the right thing with Ms. Querard but quick to accuse America of bullying Antigua.

**Antigua Bill** » 2013-02-16 15:03

When people around the world call Antigua a criminal’s paradise there is no need for anyone to get angry because that is the truth. Criminal in this case does not refer to the ordinary daily criminal activity of the lazy ass punks on the island. The criminals are the elected officials and their appointees to the various statutory boards. All of these guys have their advance degrees PHD’S and the likes some of the parliamentarian s have law degrees and spend more time in their practice before they tend to the peoples business. How many different positions does the National security hold in the Government? Can he effectively carry out the duties of each of his office? Is he not also a practicing private Attorney? People check out these headlines “DOUBLE MURDER SUSPECT IN US CUSTODY” and the NSO cannot present any facts to the people of Antigua.” What is the number of deportees from the US the NSO simply don’t know. Tell me if that is not criminal. Collecting about 3 fat checks plus other benefits and cannot account to the people.

**Jumbee Picknee** » 2013-02-16 14:15

Ah! Very tasty, soothing, relaxing...a cup of freshly brewed 'fever-gras$/le mon-gras$' tea. Ah! So, so, refreshing...co uld someone someone please pas$ the honey!!!!

**SlyThatGuy** » 2013-02-16 12:40

If these Perry Bay Squatters are truly destitute and homeless and Leon Symister,chairm an of the Development Control Authority(DCA), is prepared to help them,he has to understand that they're going to need much more than a flat,g**y site to relocate. They are going to need the government to fund housing to provide shelter for them,along with assistance in providing food and job training just to name a few things. If Symister and the DCA are not doing that,they're not doing anything to help the Perry Bay Squatters.

**CONCERNED ANTIGUAN** » 2013-02-16 12:10

You have said it all

No wonder the country is in a total mess when we have such people making decisions

The result .... MOVE THE STENCH TO ANOTHER LOCATION

NEXT IS AN ANTIGUN PLAGUE

**concern citizen** » 2013-02-16 11:32

Clearly, Chaku and his team lack good management skills. No written verification from the land owner was mentioned. No time frame was mentioned. No verification of funds from the church or churches were mentioned. Basically, Chaku and his team are afraid to make a decision. In short, this is incompetence. Alot of people in Antigua are parading themselves as attorneys. Therefore, they want us to believe they are intelligent. Nothing could be further from the truth. This case, like so many other cases, is a typical example of a case handled by dunces. Nothing is wrong in taking a humanitarian approach to the problem. Something is wrong in making foolish decisions when representing a nation. To do nothing at this juncture is great cause for concern. The least they could have done is send social workers in there. Interview the residents. Those who have relatives, see if their relatives could accomodate them temporarily. Those who have the financial resoures relocated them into affordable dwellings.Those who cannot move at this time give them a temporary reprieve. Chaku to take no action send the wrong message.

**fire** » 2013-02-16 08:31

there is one group of squatters whom I know will definitely be moved by or before 2014, that "Balls in wind" & his cabals of squatting, and I don't mean doing exercise, ministers.

Election will come and the UPP/WPP will go.

**Just me** » 2013-02-16 08:24

Just a guess but I'm thinking not much will happen to these folks until there ballots are secure. What you think?

**Lord Have Mercy** » 2013-02-16 07:39

So Chaku, Freddy Southwell and the other DCA "officials" came to a" decision to give the squatters time to move to a new spot in Cashew Hill."

According Chaku, "in light of these developments, the DCA has decided to temporarily halt the proposed forced clearance of the area to give the squatters reasonable time to relocate."

It must be seen as sensible to give the SQUATTERS REASONABLE TIME to MOVE TO CASHEW HILL. But the REAL QUESTION is WHAT CONSTITUTES REASONABLE TIME IN THESES CIRCUMSTANCES?

"Acting Chief Town and Country Planner Frederick Southwell told Caribarena that as soon as the Hispanic churches build houses for the squatters, they will move."

This means that the SQUATTERS do not have to move until their churches build houses for them. Those little, "way side" churches do not even have money for a decent church, but Chacku and the stooges at DCA believe that they have hundreds of thousands of dollars to build houses for SCORES of the SQUATTERS.

What a tangled web we weave...

This is just another failed attempt to move the SQUATTERS, period.

**skyewill** » 2013-02-16 05:21

Management Style 101. How can you be satisfied there will be compliance when the move is not complete? The game is never over til the fat lady sings but this is a campaign year so WE ARE ALL SATISFIED CAUSE EVERYTHING IS WONDERFULL IN THE SUNSHINE. "DON'T JUST TELL THE WORLD, SHOW THE WORLD"

**Bluddy Bloke** » 2013-02-16 03:58

In Antigua, our authoritarians tend to be reactive towards situations as oppose to being proactive. I am yet to understand why DCA allow the squatters to occupy that area in Perry Bay for 20 years and chose not to do anything about it. Of course better late than never, but Chaku need to realize that it is not what is being done but how it is being done. When dealing with human beings regardless of their creed, culture or nationality, should be treated with respect. Chaku's approach towards certain matters needs sanding. He tends to be a bit raw. If DCA was doing their job properly from the very onset, likewise the PM who is the representive for that area, certainly the area would not be an eye soar and health hazard as it is today.

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