PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister Patrice Gumbs of the Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI) has issued a statement that demolition has commenced and will continue on Soualiga Drive, Pond Island. Occupants of the land were informed in September that they needed to vacate by December. Though the original demolition timeline was slated for early December, the recent holiday period was considered, which resulted in the date being postponed to January 8th, then again postponed, and finally executed. Although notice of the demolition was given in September, construction was observed to continue in October, prompting stop/removal orders that were also ignored.
The demolition operations, which began last week, are the result of a court verdict upholding the validity of a long-term lease on the parcel. The government must deliver the parcel free of structures, residents, or blockages. The focus of this demolition is on removing unauthorized structures, including multiple shacks, containers, abandoned vehicles, fencing, and gates on the property. "This action follows months of advance notice to occupants and stakeholders," said Minister of VROMI, Patrice Gumbs. "We have been communicating since September that this demolition will take place. When the teams arrived on January 8th to execute, the decision was made to give additional time for the residents to remove their belongings. Upon return, the site was still occupied, signaling that the notices of demolition weren’t taken seriously, and that’s very unfortunate; but at that stage Government has to execute the order of the court."
Prior to beginning demolition work, comprehensive documentation was completed, including photographic records of all structures. Inspectors conducted site assessments, and all relevant stakeholders, including GEBE and KPSM, were present to ensure safe and coordinated execution of the work.
Minister Gumbs also clarified that the demolition area does not fall within the scope of the Emergency Debris Management Project (EDMP) and, therefore, there is no question of compensation. Furthermore, contrary to reports, all established Project Affected Persons (PAPs) have been appropriately compensated.
Going forward, addressing the ongoing unauthorized occupation of Government land on Pond Island will be a part of the Ministry’s larger enhanced spatial planning and enforcement efforts. “While I recognize the right of everyone to decent housing, that right cannot be realized through squatting.”
“I want to thank the KPSM and all cooperating agencies whose presence and support enabled the safe execution of this operation.” Gumbs continued. He also thanked the departments within VROMI for their coordination.
Demolition activities will continue at the site this week.
