‘WE NOT MOVING!’
Irate residents of East Port-of-Spain yesterday complained that they did not want to be moved to any other part of the country after the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) announced last week, that 682 residents are to be relocated to communities across Trinidad, and that they will be demolishing the apartments later this year. The demolition and construction will encompass units within Independence Square in the South, Duke Street in the West, East Dry River in the East, and George Street in the West. Yesterday, George Street West residents disagreed strongly with the Government’s decision for relocation. Resident Boysie Paul, 82, told Newsday that he was not moving anywhere. "I am a town man. I have lived in this area all my life. I would like to know where they would move us?" he told Newsday. He said that he was not willing to move to another location because of water shortages and travelling expenses. "There is everything here! The market, schools, malls, everything you want! The Government is a waste of time! I am not leaving!" he said. St Theresa’s Private School Principal, Angela Pierre, said she was worried about the location that will be given to her. "Where will they put us? I am not willing to go Central. I want to stay in the area to take care of the children," she said. The pre-school is located on the ground floor of the apartment building, and has 52 children on its roll. Ken Douglas, another resident, said the rent will be too high if they were relocated. "We are accustomed to the prices here, and we are not rich. I don’t like what the Government is doing! That is not reasonable," he stated. Barbara Robinson, a 72-year-old pensioner, said she did not want to go to another location. "I born and grow up here. I am near everything, where they will put me? In the country!" Resident Terry Ann Goodbridge said it was not a bad idea and it would be good to have a better environment away from crime and the cockroaches. The residents also said they were not given any official notice of the relocation. In a related matter, Morvant residents yesterday protested the relocation of Nelson Street residents to Almond Drive, Morvant, and the building of a new apartment complex by the Housing Development Corporation (HDC). In response, the Housing Ministry stated that not all of the Port-of-Spain residents were being relocated to Morvant.
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"‘WE NOT MOVING!’"