This article originally appeared in the Jamaica Gleaner. Read the full article.
A tense standoff between settlers on a property along Lyndhurst Road in Kingston and bailiffs armed with eviction orders was defused yesterday when East Central St Andrew Member of Parliament Dr Peter Phillips interceded on the residents’ behalf, according to a source.
The more than 100 persons from over 20 families were under threat of their homes being toppled by bulldozers when the MP stepped in yesterday morning.
One resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that Phillips gave them a chance to still have shelter over their heads.
“It was a disaster out to happen before the MP saved the day and begged for us,” the resident said.
“I have been living here eight years now, and many other people from around here were actually born right here. So something must can happen for us. Everything a sort out, but we not talking to you (the Gleaner news team), so call Dr Phillips and hear what he has to say about this,” another resident urged.
Repeated calls to Phillips’ cellular phone went unanswered.
Last year, 27 residents were served with notices to leave the property, which some have occupied for nearly 50 years.
Property owner Paul Mullings justified his decision to take the residents to court because “they have neglected and or refused to abide by the terms of the notices to quit and continue their unlawful use and occupation”.
Mullings’ lawyer, Ayisha Robb, said that the bailiff deduced that to proceed with the expulsion yesterday would have been too risky and decided to stand down.
She said that information she received indicated that three of the tenants were evicted. She said the bailiff would return to complete the eviction exercise.
However, the residents are adamant that they will stand their ground.
