Spotts' dumpsite conflict still unresolved

Samuel Jackson

Friday,  February 11, 2005

The longstanding Spotts-Newlands’ dumpsite continues to remain unresolved. Residents living in close proximity to the site have said they have being suffering from sore throats and other illnesses, which they believe, are brought about as a result of dust blown from the dumpsite to their homes.

“Right now I have the flu, my wife has the flu and a sore throat. Other people who live in this area close to the dumpsite, also have similar problems. The dust is definitely affecting the community,” said one of the residents. 

In January this year residents protested and blocked the road leading to the dumpsite, which MC Restoration, the US- based company awarded the contract to clean up the Island after the hurricane, was using at the instruction of Government.

The residents have continued to complain that the dumpsite is a serious health hazard that has caused a drastic increase in rodents. Subsequently, Government closed the site with a promise to clean the area and even spray-wash the exterior of the buildings. 

However, Attorney Samuel Jackson, who represents the landowners, said he was informed that workers had trespassed on the land of his clients in order to do the work that now needs to be done. In the first instance permission was never granted for the land to be used and the crucial issue according to Mr Jackson is that the authorities did not respond to a letter he wrote on behalf of his clients dated 16 January 2005, regarding the matter of permission.

“I informed the site manager that neither myself or my clients were consulted, and we certainly have not given consent to anyone to do any remedial work and we needed a number of things to first be put in place,” said Mr Jackson.

The workmen left with the equipment and since then, no attempts were made to clean the area as promised.

Now attorneys for both the residents and the landowners said they are taking legal action against the Government. Spotts residents are represented by attorney Sheena Westerborg. Meanwhile, the community continues to complain how the dumpsite is negatively affecting their lives.

The landowners are seeking indemnification for any work done to date and any further work, which will be done, except for remedial works to be taken to restore the land to its former state.

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