Lack of transparency in land distribution sparks distrust, while National Housing allegedly takes names but not applications
Eustace Francis, a director of the Urlings Community Association, says the distribution of land in the Cades Bay area should be seen as a good thing; however, the authorities’ lack of transparency in the process is raising questions.
He says that residents are concerned about the development project itself; the amount of land being allocated; and how the assignment is being done.
According to Genevieve Tonge, the Association’s President, there is no official application form for the development. Rather, she says, interested persons have been instructed to contact the National Housing office and provide their name, phone number and email address.
This is not the proper way of doing things, she says, and it is causing concern for those who are, in fact, interested.
Francis says he, too, has received conflicting information on whether there are any plots remaining at the development site.
Accordingly, Tonge is hoping that MP Samantha Marshall will be able to meet with area residents for a face-to-face discussion at a later date.
This issue about the apparent unfair distribution of land in Cades Bay and Urlings was raised by Corthwright Marshall, the United Progressive Party Candidate for St. Mary’s South at a political rally in February.
However, the Urlings Community Association – formed over two years ago to serve residents’ needs – stresses that it is not associated with any political party or candidate.