MONTEGO BAY, St. James (March 9,2017): The Saint James Municipal Corporation will be moving to apply the law to stem the practice of unauthorized persons entering and occupying unfinished building sites from where they commit acts of nuisance and illegal activities in communities.
The municipal police in tandem with a team from the Jamaica Constabulary Force visited five unfinished houses in Coral Gardens, St. James last Friday (March 3, 2017) where it was discovered that persons had illegally occupied the premises. The structures are without running water or sanitary convenience causing these persons to dispose of human excrement in open lots contributing to potential health hazards.
Three persons- one male and two females - were arrested and charged under the Public Health Act and the Dangerous Drugs Act.
“The complaints of these unfinished houses being unlawfully occupied and being used as havens for persons committing illegal acts have been brought to the attention of the Council and we have looked at the existing legislation to determine an appropriate response,” explained the Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Homer Davis.
“It was out of this review and examination that the Council, as the Local Board of Health and Local Planning Authority, considered approaching the situation using the Public Health Act and Building Act to take action against unauthorized persons in these structures.”
According to Mayor Davis, the operation will be ongoing and taken to other communities in St James. He also disclosed that the persons arrested in Coral Gardens will face the Parish Court shortly.
In furtherance of the effort, Senator Councillor Charles Sinclair will be moving a resolution at the next General Council Meeting for a condition to be included in every building permit granted by the St. James Municipal Corporation under the Building Act. The condition will place a mandatory onus on owners and permit holders to ensure that their unfinished structures are kept secured to the satisfaction of the Municipal Corporation against access and occupation of unauthorized persons. This resolution is expected to get full support.
Mayor Davis is imploring all persons doing construction to collaborate with the Municipal Corporation as it strives to ensure safer and healthier communities for the residents.
