Story Created:
Mar 14, 2013 at 9:56 PM ECT
Story Updated:
Mar 16, 2013 at 9:53 AM ECT
The Beaucarro Land Association, representing dozens of residents who believe their homes are being threatened, has retained attorney Ramesh Lawrence Maharaj.
Maharaj met residents at Beaucarro Road, Freeport, on Wednesday and promised to take on a legal battle to protect the families.
The residents claim they are being threatened by someone claiming to own the lands they have occupied for almost five decades.
"Families occupied the land many years ago. The land was owned by a nearby company. This man bought the company four years ago and is claiming ownership of all the surrounding lands. We have been paying rent for the land and taxes, so he cannot just move us out," resident Ainsely Singh said.
Singh said more than 60 families have been living on the land for over 50 years.
"These residents have the legal right to the land, paying taxes. We have electricity, water and telephone and created a small community for ourselves.
"Recently this man came into the community and is claiming ownership. Residents are now being asked to pay $250,000 for each lot of land. He has no legal documentation. We feel we are being victimised," he said.
The residents are also claiming threats to their safety.
"Surveyors have come in to survey each plot and 'suspicious men' are coming late at night to take photos of the homes. The residents are really scared an afraid," he said.
Singh said residents were pleased with Maharaj's response.
"He said he will assist us because we have rights and we are being victimised," he said.
