Dear Madam:

I have grave concerns about the negative effects of rampant squatting and attendant security problems for Runaway Bay and adjoining communities. There is widespread squatting on various parcels of privately owned property in Runaway Bay as a result of the rapid growth in hotel investment and the influx of persons into the communities to seek employment.

Persons who are in a desperate run for getting employment are illegally setting on lands owned by the Urban Development Corporation, Pear Tree Bottom and sections of the Belle Air property. There are persons from as far as Spanish Town in St. Catherine and Mountain View in South East St. Andrew who migrate to Runaway Bay without formal attachment or legitimate place of residence.

The increase in squatting has lead to an upswing in criminal offences causing strain on the already stretched resources at the Runaway Bay Police Station.

police concerned

The police are concerned about an unprecedented rise in reported crimes especially in the cases of robberies. The e Runaway Bay Police station only has one service vehicle to cover 25 communities in the area, which has experienced a steady rise in population and growth.

There is an urgent need for an action plan involving all stakeholders to properly assess the issues, which is of serious concern. We need to come to the table with all concerned and determine the extent of the problems and come up with serious solutions.

I will not allow Runaway Bay to be taken over by criminals and I will be working very closely with the police and community groups to safe guard the future of Runaway Bay.

Runaway Bay is fast developing town, with vast tourism and business potential and the relevant authorities must institute strong policies to safeguard its future from migrating criminals.

Othneil Lawrence
Jamaica Labour Party Caretaker, NW St. Ann.