The family at the heart of the resistance to relocate from Booby Alley to make way
for the construction of modern homes in the area, has finally decided to relocate.
Mobilisation Officer for the project, Kem Hodge, said the family has been
relocated to Potters, where they now occupy a 5-bedroom concrete home. They
will remain in the accommodation until the completion of the Chinese-funded
project. It is expected that they will be offered permanent homes within the
complex, upon its completion.
There was an incident on Tuesday when the police sought to serve a court order
asking the family to vacate the premises. One male family member refused to
move, and the police resorted to the use of non-lethal means to subdue him. On
Wednesday morning, heavy duty equipment moved in to demolish the house that
the family occupied.
Hodge said the Chinese contractors are anxious to proceed with the project
following several delays. The lands are to be handed over by April 27, paving the
way for them to proceed with the construction of condominium-style homes which
will be built to accommodate approximately 150-families.
Meanwhile, the police have issued a statement providing further clarity on the
event that took place at Booby Alley, when they went to serve a court order for the
vacating of the area. The statement reads:
On Tuesday, April 4, around 12:50 pm the police were called to Booby Alley in
Point to provide security for an official from the High Court of Justice, who was on
the scene to enforce a Court Order on the occupants of a property, located in the
said area.
When the police arrived at the scene, one of the occupants, Mr. Joel O'Marde
refused to comply with the order and became aggressive, while openly hurling
threats at the police and the court official.
Several attempts were made by the police to persuade and encourage Mr. O'Marde
to comply with the order; instead, he armed himself with a weapon and continued
resisting and threatening the police and the court officer.
In an effort to neutralize the threats and to prevent the situation from escalating
any further out of control, the police resorted to using non-lethal measures to
subdue him and take him into custody.
The matter is still under investigation, and it is likely that charges will be brought
against him.
