THE occupants of the property which is the birthplace of Jamaica’s National Hero Marcus Garvey say they are unhappy with the amount being offered to them for the place they have called home for more than 50 years.

The residents, who spoke with the Jamaica Observer North & East recently, said that they are willing to move, but that they need a better offer.

Coleen Johnson, one of the occupants there, said she felt disrespected by the sum the commissioner of lands presented on October 18, 2017. According to a document seen by Observer North & East, reportedly from the commissioner of lands, $3.2 million was presented to the residents for the land.

“I live at the Marcus Garvey home over 50 years now plus with my siblings,” she explained, stating that this is the only home her family knows.

She insisted that the amount awarded is not enough to help those who now live at the residence to relocate.

“No relocation included, no other aspect of the birthplace is included, but just the market value. I know there is significance to this property, so we need to go forward with more negotiation,” she said.

She said her attorney has proposed that houses be provided; however, she would like even more to be done for them. She said having earned from the property, consideration should be made regarding royalties.

“You have to look at royalties because this is my livelihood. When we add up all the visits we get and charge a little [US]$5 per person, if you can get 50 visitors for the day or for the month, you can assess that and the amount of money that we make,” Johnson stated

“A little royalty should add to it, because I’m not going to be broke after me leave here. I don’t want to be broke after I leave here, so I guess a little royalty can attach to it too,” Johnson continued.

She pointed out that the family did not move to the location recently, but have over the years created memories there.

“We have sentimental value to this land. I feel disrespected because of the way they really come at us and that’s not nice. This is what Marcus [Garvey] has been fighting for from day one — how they treat black poor people,” Johnson said.

She shared that if the occupants don’t accept the money presented, they have the option of taking the matter to the Supreme Court within six weeks of the date the money was offered.

Johnson, who emphasised that the group is being represented by Frater and Ennis Law Firm, said that the settlement was reached with another lawyer who is not from that firm, but claimed that he was representing occupants of the land.

“Marcus’s birthplace is priceless; you can’t give a number for Marcus’s birthplace. Marcus is an international figure. I was born and raised here,” she stated, adding, “this is my livelihood.”