Gov't stands firm as squatters rebuild at Cashew Gardens

A standoff is building between illegal squatters in central Trinidad and the new People's Partnership government led by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar.

During the general election campaign Persad-Bissessar pledged to protect the rights of long-standing squatters and to regularise their tenure. But some people saw that as a signal to move in and occupy new lands.

That is what happened in a community known as Cashew Gardens in Longdenville.

The government refused to accept that and took decisive action. On Friday, police and soldiers moved in and broke down several of the new structures.

The new squatters - some of whom have rebuilt their homes in defiance of the authorities - are saying the People’s Partnership Government gave them authority to occupy the land during the campaign.

But Persad-Bissessar disputes that, noting that she defended genuine squatters who had been on the land for several years and were entitled to some kind of land security.

With regard to the new squatters she was emphatic that they are breaking the law and would be been dealt with in accordance with the law. She dismissed the notion that the firm action would have a political backlash.

"When I took office, I left fear behind," she said.

Housing Minister Dr Roodal Moonilal said the authorities had worked systematically to remove the illegal squatters.

"We did not act in an ad hoc manner. We gave enough time and consideration, and it was a legal process that was followed," he told reporters.

"It is really a message to the others who may contemplate moving on to State lands and constructing illegal structures that they should desist from it," Moonilal said.

He added, "We have asked that the police and army maintain a presence at that area and for the next few weeks, and we should be patrolling regularly to ensure persons don’t go back," he said.

Food Production Minister Vasant Bharath is just as firm in his conviction to uphold the law. He told the Sunday Express he has already spoken with National Security Minister Brigadier John Sandy regarding the issue with regard to a zero-tolerance approach to the problem.

"Clearly, they are breaking the law and in defiance of the notices, if they are the same people who were removed...Obviously, we going to have to go back in and remove those structures again," he told the paper.