Shanty Town Squatters Have 12 Days

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – National Security Minister Wayne Monroe sheds light on the plight of the family living in a converted school bus and addresses concerns over squatters on crown land.

Marlena Leonard reports.

With 12 days left for squatters on crown land off Carmichael to vacate, National Security Minister Wayne Monroe tells Our News he has made efforts to help the family found living in a school bus.

Last week Monroe, toured an area off Carmichael Road where over 500 acres of protected trees had been illegally deforested and had become home to squatters.

Monroe told those residing there, they had 14 days to vacate the land.

Monroe also working to explain the difference between the government’s response to crown land squatters, versus other shanty towns, for critics pointing to disproportionate action by the government.

And this isn’t an isolated case – Monroe indicates there are more crown land trespassing cases currently being assessed, in the capital and other islands.

One aspect Monroe is looking forward to is the development of The Bahamas Wildlife Enforcement Network (BOWEN), which he anticipates will have a stronger impact against those who intend to take advantage of the Bahamian ecosystem.