Landowners unhappy about road-development compensation
Published:Saturday | July 16, 2011 | 12:00 AM
Keisha Hill, Gleaner Writer
BRAVING THE glaring rays of the afternoon sun, George Brown made his way gingerly along Wildman Street, clutching his machete, and taking an obvious break from working on what is left of his farm.
The 72-year-old was obviously very distraught. Brown, who has lived in the community just on the outskirts of the town of Christiana, lost most of his livelihood when construction began on the Christiana bypass road. He received an initial payment following an evaluation of the crops on his farm including yam, cane, and dasheen. With the construction of the bypass in full gear, Brown said he is yet to receive the rest of the money owed to him for his property.
"I had 105 hill of yams, they pay me for 60. I had some 100 other plants, I got paid for 60. Plus 10 roots of cane and 40 roots of dasheen, I don't get paid for those," Brown told The Gleaner.
When contacted by The Gleaner, National Works Agency spokesman Stephen Shaw said a third round of crop-damage payments is being processed and payments to affected farmers should be made by Friday, July 29.
Despite his dissatisfaction in not being fully compensated for his crop, Brown is happy for the bypass. "It helps the town, because on weekends and public holidays the thief them bungle up and pick you wallet," Brown remarked.
Clifton Taylor stopped by to participate in the conversation. Taylor, also a farmer, unloaded what seemed to be a very heavy crocus bag from his head, leaned on his machete and had his two cents to say as well.
"I like to see the road. It will help the town because you can't go through there certain time. Plus, it will help to increase the value of the lands around here," Taylor said.
Taylor, who lives farther down the road on Wildman Street, said his farm is not affected by the ongoing construction, however, he hopes that his neighbours will be fully compensated for their lands utilised in the construction.
Trevor Brown has also found himself in the same predicament. He, like George Brown, lost some of his farmland. He was paid for a portion of his property, but, to date, he has not received the remainder of his money.
Lavern Riddell, 34-year-old shopkeeper, also has a sour taste in her mouth. She was optimistic that, with the construction of the bypass, her business would benefit significantly. However, she is disgruntled that workmen have credited her goods and are unwilling to pay her what they owe.
"Actually, I thought it would be better. But it is worse now. When you ask them for the money, they even tell you 'bad words'," Riddell said.