Claudine Housen, Staff Reporter

WESTERN BUREAU:

Tired of waiting on the National Housing Development Corporation to fulfil its promise to the community, members of the Retirement Phase Two Provident Society in St. James, are calling on the Government to cede responsibility for the housing development to them.

"We would like to take over the development of the scheme and we would want the Government to back us up on this so that we can develop the scheme our-selves," said Lincoln James, president of the provident society.

Formal application

In a letter dated June 1 addressed to Robert Pickersgill, Minister of Housing, Water, Transport and Works, the residents issued a formal application to purchase the land.

The letter states that development has not taken place on the property in years and that, if something is not done, they may become overrun by squatters as the residents "have no authority, nor any assistance, to act in relation to new squatters"

'Can find expertise'

Speaking on-site to Mr. Pickersgill, who was touring sections of Montego Bay on Friday, Mr. James asked the minister to lobby Government on the community's behalf.

He said the society, which comprises principals, teachers, and policemen, was up to the task of overseeing the project.

Said James: "The members are prepared to pay as they used to. History will tell you that our members have paid more than any other scheme in the island with $140 million. We believe that we can find the expertise."