The Editor, Sir:

What is the latest with the relocation plans for the informal settlement dwellers of Mona Commons? Controversy still surrounds the long-term fate of residents of this community on Golding Avenue, in front of the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI).

There was a lot of discussion several years ago that they would be relocated to lands adjacent to the University of the West Indies, close to Elletson Flats, but the residents of Elletson Flats protested, and that plan may have been scrapped.

No movement yet

What next? There has been no public announcement as to the next move for these persons. It concerns me that there is no movement on the issue, as are most things that involve government making tough decisions that are politically sensitive. There is no apparent political will to correct this problem.

As far as I am aware, the UHWI owns the property and its occupation by informal settlers makes any development plans void, whether it be a new parking lot for much needed revenue, increasing the bed space for treating ill patients or expansion of other services.

How will these persons be moved, when every day a new shop, hair salon, shoe store is built and "add-ons" to homes already there? "Squatting" is a major problem to which there are no quick solutions. One easy answer is not to allow anyone to settle on unoccupied land in the first place.

Who is to deal with this particular situation? Let's face facts, it is a slum community. I would like to get some answers please.

I am, etc.,

Dr. STEFAN C. HEMMINGS

kcheadboy96_97@yahoo.com

Kingston 8

Via Go-Jamaica