Dear Editor,

I write to update you on the situation regarding a matter which was the subject of an article in your newspaper on November 17, and to assure the residents of the consistent representation I have been making on their behalf since 2009. The article highlighted the plight of some residents in Moneague.

(1) I made formal representation in 2009 to then Prime Minister Bruce Golding for some lands in Haddon, Moneague, for the relocation of residents who had been flooded out by the Moneague Lake. The authorisation for the lands to be used was given.

(2) On January 19, 2009, I wrote to Ms Elizabeth Steer, the commissioner of lands, to inform her of the situation and to formally request that her office, the National Land Agency, communicate with the St Ann Parish Council regarding the title transfers for the area designated to house the residents of Swamp/Riverhead.

(3) I received correspondence dated October 30, 2009, from the Jamaica Bauxite Institute (Mr Attle Grey), stating that the National Land Agency had indicated no objection to the use of land registered at Volume 1288 Folio 381 – Haddon, St Ann. This correspondence was copied to Mr Parris Lyew-Ayee, executive director and Ms Liz Levy, technical assistant to Minister Daryl Vaz, Office of the Prime Minister.

(4) On November 30, 2009, I met with Dr Horace Chang and a technical team in Kingston at the Ministry of Water and Housing to look into this matter in light of the developments and asked for their assistance in surveying the lands for subdivision to the people in need. The minister assured me that his staff would assist in this regard.

(5) Following a meeting on November 20, 2010, with residents in Parry Town who were experiencing a similar problem, I again wrote Minister Chang on December 6, 2010, requesting an update on the relocation of these residents of Moneague.

(6) On January 11, 2011, I again wrote Minister Chang and provided him with the accompanying names of residents to be relocated from Swamp. I too, am awaiting better and further particulars so that the residents can have some peace of mind.

To date I have received no further information on the matter from the minister and his office despite my numerous checks with the ministry.

Lisa Hanna

MP, SE St Ann

lisarene@gmail.com