Mount Olive squatters resist demolitions as St. Ann land dispute heads to court

Residents of Valley Manor in Mount Olive, St. Ann, are pressing for answers after demolition crews destroyed at least four homes on Wednesday, June 10, even though litigation over the property is still before the courts.

The settlement occupies roughly 300 acres overlooking the Caribbean Sea, where more than 60 households have lived for decades without formal land titles. Melissa Forbes, who has resided in the area for more than 22 years, said she was shocked when a man asserting ownership arrived and work to pull down structures began.

"I never expect this. And the owner come and say he's the rightful owner, which he no paper. I first as Yesterday when he him come first time, I was seeing him first time for all these years," Forbes said.

Occupants say they have squatted on the land largely undisturbed for years, yet now face the loss of shelters built in a community with limited footpaths and no proper road access. Some questioned how authorities allowed the area to become so developed, only to move against residents while a court matter remains unresolved.

Those claiming ownership had taken several residents to court, and a trial is scheduled for September. That pending case has left squatters asking who ordered the demolition and why it went ahead. New housing was still being erected in parts of the settlement when the teardowns started, and more homes had been lined up for demolition.

Michael Belnavis, Mayor of Spanish Town and head of the St. Ann Municipal Corporation, said the corporation intervened to stop further demolition once it learned the dispute was still active. He said the claimant had issued notices and stop orders to some occupants and had brought security personnel and a tractor to the site.

Belnavis said he directed the operation to cease and desist. He also said longtime residents should be respected and may deserve compensation. Recommendations put forward include discounted lot prices when a formal subdivision is submitted, first preference for current occupants, and relocation to a designated portion of the land as part of any settlement arrangement.