REPORTS that rain could soak the island this weekend have sparked new concerns for scores of residents who were evicted from private property on Duke Street, Kingston last week.

"For the past five days some of us have been forced to rough it out on the sidewalk. We have nowhere to go," said Christine Gregory.

She was among a small group of squatters who yesterday huddled together under tarpaulin to avoid the heavy rain that lashed downtown Kingston.

With more rain in the forecast for the coming days, the cries for help have intensified.

"We are not rushing them (persons who have pledged help) but we would be happy if the authorities can step up their plans to help us,” Barbara Henry, another displaced person said.

Last Friday, a bailiff and police team carried out a demolition exercise on the property destroying several make-shift shacks, and leaving close to 60 persons homeless.

The displaced had lived on the property for years, but the legal owner went to court to have them evicted.

The ODPEM has offered to provide them with tents, portable toilets and water storage containers.