Rowley misleading HDC home owners: John

File: Jearlean John

Jearlean John said on Wednesday the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) has not given anyone an ultimatum to buy the housing units they now occupy or face eviction.

The HDC chairperson was responding to claims by Opposition Leader Keith Rowley that the housing agency is evicting tenants.

Rowley was speaking in San Fernando on Tuesday at a meeting on Tuesday night. He said the HDC has issued letters to tenants calling on them to buy the properties they occupy.
"They want to evict them from those units. These poor people with limited income who can afford rental, still have some food and some medication, look at these people now," Rowley said.

“They are telling them you have to buy the property and if you can't buy it, you get out. When you get out, somebody who can buy it, will get it," he added.

The leader of the People's National Movement said the move is wicked and vindictive. "Where are these people going to get money to pay $200,000 or $100,000 to $250,000 for a unit?" he asked.

However John said Rowley's claims are not accurate. She explained that people have been given an option to buy their units but there is no ultimatum.

She further stated that HDC clusters, such as apartment buildings and townhouses, are divided into rental and mortgage accommodations. 

She added that the HDC is seeking to introduce a structured system where housing developments would either be for rental accommodations or mortgage arrangements in order to better manager the properties

John said people who own their units are supposes to pay for their maintenance. She said anyone who cannot afford the purchase would be relocated rather than evicted.