Janice Francis-Lindsay, heritage studies student in Tokyo, Japan, who will return to the island in spring, is anticipating that her family will finally get news of an insurance settlement for their home which was destroyed in 2007 by Hurricane Dean.

She and several other residents of Caribbean Terrace in Harbour View, east Kingston, whose homes were devastated say that their insurance companies have been insisting that they rebuild at the same location.

However, residents are not interested in doing so.

No-build zone

The Ministry of Water and Housing and other government agencies have initiated discussions in relation to resettlement and are considering residents' request that the area be declared a no-build zone because of its vulnerability to hurricanes.

Lloyd Richards, community representative, who has led several delegations to meet with ministry officials, notes that after hurricanes Ivan and Dean, some 32 residents were forced to leave their homes.

"The present situation is that we cannot repair, build or live in the area. Even those who still remain in their homes after the hurricanes in 2004 and 2007 live in very difficult circumstances. Vagrants have invaded the place and they are living there without permission."

He notes that if Caribbean Terrace were to be declared a no-go zone, some 76 individuals in total might be affected.

According to Francis-Lindsay, her family was forced to leave their home in 2007 when residences on Calypso Crescent were destroyed.

"The houses are not habitable. While the structures still stand for the most part, furniture and fixtures were swept out to sea as a result of the heavy currents, sand, stone and debris from the ocean," she told The Gleaner.

Lindsay, whose spouse has been living in a rented apartment, says the expectation of residents affected by recurring hurricanes was that "we would eventually get help to obtain land or a home equal in value to Caribbean Terrace.

Long debate

"This has been the long debate since the hurricane, and even before, among other persons who went through similar fate in previous hurricanes. The option to rebuild/restore was nonsensical," Francis Lindsay said.

"Most of us wouldn't have, but for anyone harbouring any thoughts along that line - Mayor McKenzie stated publicly that he would not be issuing any permits for building/rebuilding in the area."

Discussions in relation to the relocation of residents began with the People's National Party administration but those talks were dashed by the change of government.

Lloyd Richards said that several meetings have been held with the Ministry of Water and Housing and that "discussions are progressing and undertakings have been given".

Richards stated that he believes that the timetable has been set for settlement or assistance in settlement and this should be completed before the hurricane season begins in June.

The last meeting between residents and the minister of housing was held in December 2008. The residents were informed that the ministry was proceeding to provide solutions ahead of the next storm season.

Winsome Christie, director of communications in the Ministry of Water and Housing, told The Gleaner that discussions were ongoing with the Caribbean Terrace homeowners.

avia.ustanny@gleanerjm.com

- Lloyd Richards