Squatters making life hell in Port Royal Robberies, criminality on the rise, say residents

BY KARYL WALKER Editor - Crime/Court Desk walkerk@jamaicaobserver.com  Sunday, September 28, 2014    

RESIDENTS of the historic town of Port Royal are concerned that despite their outcry several months ago, the squatter community that has sprung up there earlier this year is continuing to grow at a rapid pace.

The Port Royal Health Centre which
residents feel
will not be available to them soon.

In April the residents expressed grave concern that their once sleepy fishing village was being transformed into a den of thieves and runaways who were hell-bent on destroying the peaceful, almost crime-free record of Port Royal, a town in which most persons were either related or whose families have inhabited the area for decades.

Just recently a number of robberies have occurred on the beach.

"The robberies are increasing. Cars are being stolen more often and criminality is on the rise," one resident said.

One couple, who originated in the town but spent a number of years abroad before returning, said their lives are being made hell by the new residents.

The couple was adamant that a shanty that was being built very close to the residential area would not be allowed to be erected. They said, though, that they are facing the wrath of the squatters for their principled stance.

"It is not right. They have been throwing bags of faeces on our lawn and have threatened me because I hit out against them. This town has been peaceful for too long and with all our cries we feel ignored by our political representatives who seem content not to act until somebody gets seriously hurt or killed," the male half of the couple said.

He said the squatters have threatened to burn down his house as well. more