There has been much controversy surrounding the Bernard Lodge Development in St Catherine from the start – and recent reports have not made it better. The entrances to farmland being blocked off had brought further concerns from farmers, who were not against the developer taking the lands, but found it strange that they were not relocated prior.
“The main reason advised to me by Mr. Azan as to why Cost Club found it necessary to block off the entrances to its land was not only that it required the labd for development but more importantly and more urgently, the property was plagued by extortionists and other criminals elements that were threatening his personnel on the ground and he was very concerned about it ,” explained Managing Director of SCJ Holdings, Joseph Shoucair. “
According to Shoucair, when Cost Club acquired the land two years ago, there were sixty four farmers on the land. Today, there are six farmers remaining , the majority provided with partial compensation for their crops and buildings. He says some do not wish to leave, in particular one farmer who has reportedly intimidated a field officer.
“That particular farmer is armed and has more than one occasion threatened our staff,” Shoucair noted.
Shoucair says he is aware of allegations from a young farmer who he claims is an informal settler who did not follow protocol. But, while he seeks to explain these issues, there is a letter circulating about a planned protest led by Bernard Lodge farmers on Monday. Shoucair is adamant that most farmers will not turn up.
“I can say with confidence that if indeed the document is authored or on behalf of farmers from Bernard Lodge, it will be- it would represent a handful of farmers, perhaps not more than six or seven.”
It’s a view that is shared by some farmers who had been relocated from the property. They say they will not be participating.
Click to view this report
