Dear Mr. Editor,
This letter is a cry from a property owner of Canefield East Residential area. I am at my wits end and do not know where to turn.
Approximately 17-18 years ago I purchased a parcel of land from the then Government of Dominica at $8.00 a square foot and paid in the region of $30,000.00 for that said piece of land. I recently visited my family back home and decided to sell that piece of land due to the fact that I have no intention of building in Dominica. A young man came to look at the land and I informed him that the going price of land in that area is $12.00 a square foot, however, I would offer him $10.50 a square foot; he looked at me squarely in the eye and informed me that on no condition would he pay even $5.00 for a square foot of land in Canefield East when Canefield East had become the new Squattering zone of Dominica and he could get a piece of land for free. He stated that, all he needed to do is go to the Minister in charge of lands or the Chairman of the Canefield Urban Council and he has a piece of land.
This is so unfair to the hard working people of Canefield East and property owners. This is highway robbery, we can’t have respectable people working earnestly to pay their bills and taxes and the Ministers who have not contributed in anyway other than to collect votes from these same people give away the lands of the country and devalue the property of these residents. I would like to make a plea to these residents which I believe is justified:
v We could all work together and withdraw our electoral registration from where ever we are registered and register with the Canefield electoral zone with the view of voting these vagrants out of office in an effort to secure our properties. I am in no shape or form politically aligned to any party, but something needs to be done to secure what is ours.
v We can refrain from paying any form/s of taxes imposed on the residents until the squatters have been removed. I spoke with a few residents who informed me that they have already stopped paying land and property taxes; I am calling on other residents to do the same.
v I also noticed a number of derelict vehicles parked on the main road rotting, these vehicles are going to pose health problems for the neighborhood. Residents should have environmental health and solid waste management remove these vehicles; I am calling on these residents to do something and not sit idle by and allow these unfair and unsafe practices to go on right at their doorsteps.
Where is Lands and Surveys in all of this, what are they doing to protect the residents? What is the administration of the Country doing to protect property owners.
We need answers from all concerned, and the people of Canefield East need to fight for what they have worked hard to achieve, don’t allow it to be taken away and allow the area and your properties to be devalued further.
Concerned Property Owner.
This article was posted in its entirety as received by Dominica News Online. We do not correct any spelling or grammatical errors in Letters to the Editor. Views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of DNO or its advertisers.
Housing is a major need and things need to be put in place but the writer is a selfish brat with no concern of the needs of the poor or for Dominica. He or she is there to sell land & leave & doesn’t care about the island or the people. Selfish Selfish Selfish.
nonesense! things have to be done properly.
There is a reason why there is a law agains squartters
The government needs to look into building apartment buildings (affordable housing). Instead of building housing schemes which clearing cost a lot and house very few, they should build a three or five story building that would house the same amount, or even more people than a housing scheme, but use a lot less space. Then rent the apartments at low prices as compared to the rates currently in the country. This rent can serve to maintain the building and also give back to the country.
Private investors should also look into this.
Apartments for what? If you were in the situation would you rather pay rent for the rest of your life? Or pay a land until you own it? These people have children and they also want a better life for their family. You are so bios and selfish. Talking about rent. Very inconsiderate.
Same problem with people renting Your home/property they destroying and paying no rent for months an the courts can help you retrieve a penny for y lost mortgage and bursting your you know what to maintain about time the housing dept/rental court help the landlords and set guidelines
I heard about that. Once they are renting it is difficult to get them out. It appears that Dominica does not have a Law/system or a proper and fair one that they could be evicted for non-payment of rent and for destroying the landlord’s property. The authorities do not appear to take matters seriously. They need some serious-minded people working in those offices. Pertaining to the rights of nationals, many Laws need to be enacted in Dominica.
We are missing the issue. There is a housing crisi in DA. Short term solutions like enabling squatting must be frowned upon. The aesthetic value of the area will certainly be devalued. We must find a solution that is beneficial to all – Relocate the squatters with affordable housing with modern conveniences, which they now lack; Restore the true value of property in the area.
Hope the powers that be are paying attention
This is the mot nonsensical Letter to the Editor. The writer or such letter needs to know the difference between fact and hearsay. There are two kind of facts,the one that is made up and one that researched.
You too sorte, all of us who live there crying to the authorities to deal with all these people who just moved on land without paying, in all our yard and have devalued our properties, what other fact does he need to write???
Never call anyone stupid. It is not a nice thing to do. They are not more stupid than you are. Keep in mind you are responding to the comments of people you do not know. It is disrespect and demeaning. Have patience. Bite your tongue, control your fingers, curb your bad temper and develop humility and if you are a Christian, a practicing and prayerful one at that, as I hope you are. God is listening and taking note.
Now, there should be a higher Court that Dominicans could go to to get some satisfaction. It gets me disappointed and angry to read that the government and the politician who represents the people in that area are doing nothing to assist the residence. They are too lax. It is a disgrace. Dominica needs a serious-minded government and politicians who represent the people in order to change matters. Squatters should not be residing in residential areas.
Where are the Laws of Accounting?Land never depreciates.Land always appreciates. He can sell his land at what ever price he chooses to.
While land should always appreciate, you have to understand what property value means. If you live in an area that is well kept and there is little or no violence, there is easy availability to electricity, water and other basic necessities, then the property value in that area is high compare to the opposite. You can propose to sell your property at what ever price you want, but you wont be competitive on the market in that area if you go over what the consensus of the area’s property value.
Land do depreciate in that if neighbors do not take care of their property and there are people as squatters residing near there. I read a newspaper article pertaining to if owners want to sell their property and neighbors do not keep their property in good condition that, prospective buyers will be hesitant about purchasing the property. The seller may have difficulty getting anyone to purchase the property. It is the identical situation in Canefield.
The man used phychology on you to try to get you to reduce your price. Don’t fall for it, find another buyer, a serious buyer. Living overseas for a long time helps you to loose your wits and itches you when you hear a man speak like that in the Caribbean as I can see the disgust in your letter. Don’t make him control your emotions. Find a serious buyer and move on
On that note however the Government do need to take action on land squatting
And quickly. Generally, land does not depreciate but in this case with the situation as it is, he may not be able to sell it for the amount he wants. I, for one would not purchase a piece of land or a house in an area as he described. I have empathy for those who built and reside there.
Dem fellas in Govt have no idea how to work hard and sacrifice to achieve a goal, only thief they thiefing so they just giving away other people things, if u love squatters so much why don’t u make them squat on Govt land.
I want the land> I want to buy it. What number can I reach you.
me too
Stupes….this is crap…so the ministers making it possible for a young person to have a piece of land to build a home and thats a problem,,,,so you think is everybody that have 30 thousand dollars to buy land?..Am very sure you would have been very happy to have gotten that same peice of land free 17-18 years ago!.. give somebody a chance to get something too!!
heshe, people pay high mortgage rates to buy a piece of land and it takes them years to pay it off and you come and want something for free? Take a loan or a mortgage to buy your land. Your attitude stinks.
Go get a job and buy a piece in an area within your means ok…. Why come in a residential area and mess up our community? We could afford eight and five dollars, if you can’t go somewhere where it is fifty cents. None of you have paid for your land and all well settled in…aa rude and comparation!
Those who cannot afford to purchase property should not purchase it. You do not hang your hat higher than you can reach it. DO not blame the owner of the property.
Good point. I see you are wise. Those others who are being negative sounds illiterate and they look like fools with those comments especially, JUSTICE AND TRUTH. Empty vessels make the most noise. Who are they fighting against? Dominicans like them. Greed makes people blind and ignorant. Justice and Truth, why don’t you get your facts right, then come back and name yourself Justice and facts? You are totally speaking with no facts which means you are lost. Catch yourself, get into reality and speak sence. FACT: THE LAND IS NOT FREE. THAT’S TOTALLY UNTRUE. IT’S GOING TO BE CHARGED TO ONLY THE LIST THAT THE GOVNMENT ALREADY HAD A MEETING WITH, WHEN THE COME TO A DECISION. PROPER FACILITIES ARE PROMISED ALSO. THE LIST OF PEOPLE ARE THOSE WHO HAVE A LENGTH OF YEARS ON THE LAND. Thank you for reading. So now JUSTICE AND TRUTH speak about this and keep in mind your loud mouth is making things even better for the squarters. So continue, the father have a plan for you and the rest. We must live land and berry below it too. So what are you fighting about again? Seems you are one of those angry ones on canefield east, just grudging cause your land on a slope and the squarters have flat land. Get a life and stop harrass humans like you. I think you need a dog or a cat to keep you company cause you seem lonely. Speaking a bunch of bull online. Find something positive to do with yourself rather than wasting your time on DNO.
For somebody who has no interest in building in Dominica,you surely have a lot of voice!
I doubt this person resides outside of Dominica anyway… Pure disguise.. Anyway I hope this situation in the Canefield area is resolved to the benefit of all parties…
Dy the way LOVE, the land does not belong to the Government of Dominica, it belongs to the state and the goverrment is placed in charge of it, if you are made managing director of J.Astaphans will you take all Mr. Astaphans property and give it to who so ever you want. No. So it not their right to give it to who ever they want. Think about it seriously.
What are you talking about? The Govnt is not planning to give anything. WHATS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE? Are you guys serious? The squarters who are given permission to stay where are, will pay like any other DOMINICAN who purchase a piece of land. Not as much as the residents on the east and that they vex about. LOL! I hope y’all checking your pressure before all you say is govnt that kill y’all when it’s just your own greed. BE CAREFUL you injure yourself about land that have no business to do with you. Who are you to tell govnt to do with the state land? Trust me they are not listening. I KNOW.
I have always taken pride in my country, that is why I believe that the Government of my sweet Dominica will put their best foot forward and do something about this situation in the Canefield East Area. We cannot allow these things to happen in the country, we are concerned about the high rate of crimes in the country, so why don’t we uphold the law and stop allowing every one to cry down on our country as being a lawless country. Come on Planning do something about this situation
listen $12.00 a square foot? so why you bought it at $8.oo per sqft and think someone else living in dominica that knows about the area and what government is offering going to buy it at 12 or even 10. come on. now all of us sitting here and saying about the government we dont love ourselves much less for the entire country, wouldn’t you not like your government or the government of the day to give you a reduced price on a piece of land? but what are we fighting over land for when we go down are we walking with it? the answer is NO. These overseas nationals make double living on us they are business owners but dont live here, the collect house rent but dont live here, come on don’t make them fool us.
Beggars will be beggars.
Just one concern, did the land owner try to contact either prove or refute the story, or is he solely going on what the prospective buyer said? And that’s the allegations of receiving free land “just like that”?
Having said that, if the prospective buyer could get the land for free so easily, why then did he approach you with the intent of buying that same land, especially if he so considers that part the squattering zone?
I’m just curious. Hopefully all due diligence was done on your part, before making these claims and or allegations
If everything is proven true – then i suggest you guys pool your moneies together and higher lawyerrs to help with this. I do not suggest not paying taxes becuase the arrears can bite you in the behind.
do things the legal way – do not take chances or short cuts
good luck
But in all seriousness, where in Canefield East is this piece of land? I think i just might be interested in buying.
Taking what is not yours without the owners permission and without recompense is a crime and If it is not a crime it is definitely a sin.
SQUATTING IS STEALING!
As for the person who was inconsiderate, rude and insulting and stated that he could get property from the government for nothing, he expects the owner to sell his property for next to nothing or for nothing to him. This is a typical example. It is high time for the DA government to cease providing property/housing or building houses to people for free.
After all, the unemployed, referring to those who never worked; were never interested in working, in seeking gainful employment did not contribute to DA’s economy. Some of them have children out of wedlock and all of them receive a monthly income from the DA government. These people are fortunate and more fortunate than even the poorest people who reside in progressive countries where the money comes from to assist them. The poor, including refugees who are unemployed including senior citizens, some of whom are also refugees, receive social assistance and subsidized housing. They receive a monthly income from the government. They do not get free housing. They must pay a certain percentage of their income for rent including separate, utilities – electricity, gas, hot and cold water.
There is Habitat. Homes are built for qualified people. However, the prospective residents must assist in building the homes as also painting them. Their mortgage is not as high as normal mortgage for those who can supposedly afford it. They do not get “free housing”. They contribute their fair share according to their income. Of course, they go to food banks and receive other assistance from certain organizations if they are not too proud to go there.
If those Dominicans receive an income of approximately $400, it is about the same, people on social assistance receive, give a little more. In the cold countries there are four seasons. During spring, winter and fall – autumn, it is important to have extra clothing and shoes, hats, scarves, etc. It is much more expensive to live in these countries. Granted, I am not comparing the cost of groceries and such. Some products are cheap and others are not. However, dollar for dollar, believe me, Dominicans are not worst off. Those who have a piece of land where the house is built can grow vegetables to assist them. They can also be their own hairdressers and dressmakers as some people in those countries to cut costs.
The government receives loans and grants from overseas. This is from taxpayer’s money in those countries, their hard-earned dollars. Those who are recipients of this money and who do not work receive it for free. It costs them nothing.
The government should not be giving out free land and property to those people. At least, make them pay, be it a minimal amount of money monthly. This should teach them to be responsible. The DA government would recover some of that money to also repay the loans, if required to do so. In addition, this money could be used to assist the government for other necessities for nationals. Everyone who receives an income should contribute to the common good, the economy of the country.
I have read what some people state against the government, that it does not create jobs, etc. If some people never considered seeking employment but live off the avails of what they receive from the government and from others, how can jobs be created in Dominica when so many are not employed? The burden is on those who are employed who also must pay their fair share of income tax and who also have monthly obligations to meet.
Should we abroad who also have our overall obligations to meet as the cost of living and taxes escalate and we get nothing for nothing feel sorry for those who willfully will not seek employment and who are living comfortably? As everything else, times changed and we do see in that manner.
Therefore the owner of the property cannot relinquish his right and give his property away or leave it for the government. The government should re-purchase it from him if it wants certain nationals to receive it free. I do think that the government should not give away property or provide free homes to anyone. They should pay some dollars for it. The poor of today and in Dominica are not as poor as those of yesteryear who received absolutely nothing from the government in those days. This is why I have stated that those people should be grateful and show appreciation. They should also be humble. It appears to be the opposite.
I wonder if I know this person and vice versa? He stated about the vehicles which are near the residence. I am also wondering if that place is located near the Massacre bridge. If it is in that area I know the location. I know some people who reside in that area. When I last visited I noted those vehicles. I think there is a garage around there. Above there are some beautiful homes. I can imagine those vehicles are a sore sight. They should really be removed from there. Bad enough there are squatters in that vicinity.
Goodwill was divided into three sections, large lots, medium lots and small lots. Dominicans, most of them who resided in Roseau, bought their property according to their income and financial means. It was called upper and lower Goodwill. Considering that, we could also say “central” Goodwill. Let us face it, Dominica then had this “class society”, if you know what I mean.
We missed out on a lot then and to know what the government is doing and criticize the government as some of you are doing today especially on the Internet. 
I do not know if you are more fortunate than we were in that era and vice versa. There were no squatters in certain areas of Goodwill where people built their beautiful homes then. I realize that times have changed and there may be some squatters at Goodwill but this is only speculation. Nevertheless, they may not be in the vicinity of those homes as mentioned. When I visited DA I did not see any in that area.
Recall some weeks ago the mayor of Roseau wants Karam to remove his vehicles from near the sidewalk/street. I am speculating if the mayor wins this case this may cause Karam to relocate. Well, then, those vehicles along with the squatters are truly unwelcome sore sights in that area for good and obvious reasons. I do not blame this property owner and others who built in that area.
How did the squatters happen to reside so close to that area (whatever area it is)? Surely, the government should not have allowed it. You cannot allow nationals to simply take over an area and live there. It should be prohibited!
Recall also when the DA government bought Goodwill from Ms Potter (some of you may or may not know that and some of you were not yet born. I was still a child.
Therefore, in certain areas of lower Goodwill and at the back on both sides with lower Federation Drive separating them, there were homes (sorry to say) for the poorer classes of people. Some may or may not have bought their property. At that time Dominicans knew not the workings of the government and they did not question it. You know, we did not have TV and computer then.
The government should consider this and not allow squatters in a residential area where nationals build their beautiful homes.
As it is stated, the squatters steal and/or break and enter homes. Having stated that, I feel frustrated about that situation and have empathy for this property owner. I am with you all the way.
Pertaining to this situation, please tell me, can the government do anything right in Dominica? I also refer to past governments especially in the past 15 years or so. They, too, are to be blamed for this situation.
JUSTICE AND TRUTH, you look like one of those people who have a wife or husband by your side and servicing the computer rather than him or her. You need serious counseling. Go to church, repent your sins? release that baggage you carrying cause you have a lot of weight on your back. get a massage. go to the sulfur spring and ease up the tension. I care about you cause you seem to have a lot of problems. what is it? the mortgage? relationship issues? financial disputes or you were born as a problem child. Choose a solution and check yourself before you wreck yourself.
Hello. I feel your pain and understand your concern but you have your land. If you can’t get a good price for your property then fence your land and make sure you place No Tresspassing signs. Anyway it seems like you reside abroad just like me but you should understand that if there are squatters you can’t expect to demand such high price for your land. To be quite honest I don’t even know where Canefield East is located but I know where the Airport is. Also you purchased the land for Eight Dollars a Square foot just sell it for Nine Dollars a Square foot or just keep it in your family. Another issue is that you don’t reside in Dominica like myself therefore you shouldn’t be voting in Dominica because you don’t have to face the every day consequences.
i am from cane field and i know cane field east well. to say that you came down to sell your land and no one wants to pay 10.50 for it is not true if so why then to get rent a house in that area starts about $800 to $2000 would’nt that have brought down the rent.then lets look at the area in question where less than 30 people squat,it was a tarish mining area right up and was airmark for a playing field.how ever because of where it is located hardly any one would have gone there to play,not one canefield east resident atttemped to help turn the place in to a park,well then one or two persons who had no where to go went and squatted.and so thats when that started since then the government have capped that area, it simply means that those who are there will get the land at a dollar however there will be no more additional squatters in that area.
1.00 OF 10.00. oNCE YOU PAY FOR YOUR LAND. Its not everyone thats fortunate to purchase land at ahigh cost. I f the Government choose to give it at1.00 why not take it. Some people dont want to see the ordinary man go up the ladder.All those squatters have to do is make sure the environment is kept clean. Awooden house or a concrete house its someones home. You want them to leave under the bridge instead, They dont want to hang their hat where they cannot reachthey can only pay 1.00. and dont want to compete with their
neighbour. Fond cole not in all you buisness our land has been paid. W egot our blessings there is room for many more in other areas.,
This is unbelievable!! Dominica is a lawless country. They are not giving people any incentive to return home. Unlike some people who want something for nothing those of us in the diaspora only want what is fair.
this is a genuine concern.
These Godless men running the country will do anything to stay in power…including selling the country to the lowest bidder.
The new rave now is squatting for votes. This is not only happening in Canefield but all over.
And the squatters are emboldened because the Ministers are backing them up.
I have been in that situation myself.
Welcome the next level
well wish allu luck, because those kind of short sighted ministers that there will do anything to get votes…including giving away state resources for their personal gain
well my friend the DLP is takin Dca to the nex tlevel all of this is part of the next level.
Qualify that with the neoinfiltrated DLP
Sad situation indeed. The residents should be united in that effort. There was a lot of theft there too. Do not know if it still happenns.
Some of them with their house already even sqatting so they can get the $1sq land for their children so allu better have more information before speaking.
dont you think everyone deserves a home? you have one so let the young man get his own some of you old folks are too greedy (pig)
People like you are the problem -owners work hard that why they can buy a home. They dont take what does not belong to them -this man would like a home -we all u derstand that but it is not his right. Furthermore if you have a home and feel so strongly about this young man why do t you give it to him – I am sure he will be grateful and you will be homeless -but then again you could always rent or pitch a tent on the beach.
What do you mean? He paid $30,000 for his property. Do you have any sense? You expect him to give it away – for free? You are insane if you expect that of him.
Taking what is not your own is stealing, whichever way look at it.
Anonymous, the pigs are those who gobble at the trough with government. Get your facts straight.
You have no idea what is happening in these residential areas. Since the squatters joined, stealing is on an all time high and no one has a safe property. It is sad because its the council chair and parl rep who is behind the squatter supporting them. All residents should come together to fight the authorities and squatters on this. We understand the land set for a playing field now has two block houses in the middle of it….
chupesssss!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
chupesss!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ha ha welcome
This sounds like a genuine concern, but I can only empathize with you. This is Dominica we are talking about. Absolutely nothing will be done about it. You probably could talk to a few people who will tell you what you may want to hear then back to business as usual. I am sorry but you just cant address issues as you would in any other country.It stays unresolved until you become frustrated and give up.
I feel for the property owner and also frustrated. I am a confident person. I make no excuses for the government or the MP in the Canefield riding, that something should be done about what he addressed. He has a valid concern which I term as frustration and rightfully so.
Where there is a will, there is always a way.
This should not be if DA has a reputable and concerned government and the minister who represents Canefield. The latter appear to be a joker if he does not do anything about it.
Sam while understand your concern and that of the people of Canefield East you have presented yourself as a selfish person. You began by saying that you have no intentions of building in zdominica- I gather that you have no interest in returning to Dominica. If such is the case it seem like your only motive here is to get a ” good” price for your land. You are entitled to that. All the stuff about chiming together to influence the voting process is what is most disgusting. Now everyone knows that Mamizoo is n fan of the current administration but here it is a diasporans is presenting him or herself as only interested in the here and now. After having suffered for the last 13 years as a result of Diasporans who come to Dominica on a chattered plane only to cast a vote and return to their country of residence you are potraiting the same motive – vote so you can make 5% profit on your land and then to heck with Dominica. Dominica deserve better than just people consumed in their own selfishness.
He paid for the land. Are you crazy Mamizoo!! He has a right to sell it and get something back for it NO MATTER WHAT HIS INTENSIONS ARE. Thirty thousand dollars is not easy to come by. Would you yes you just give up your piece of land for nothing even if you had no intensions of building on it? Honestly, answer this question. Some people really do like to get something for nothing. Potance!
Read my blog carefully before you gun for my neck. I said he is entitled to selling his land. I also said that I understand his concern
Lots of people leave and don’t return -why shouldn’t he make a profit -its called business -buy low sell high. Nothing new .
Put it down to, he changed his mind about building in Dominica. This is how I view it. What is occurring in Dominica is enough to scare and turn Dominican’s who reside abroad from returning, even on a holiday and also building unless they reside in the residence. Much more could be stated about that.
People’s plans change. It was his manner of making the statement. What is wrong with that? You do not have to scrutinize every word he says and criticize him for it. As the saying, “You are putting words in his mouth.” You are insinuating that he has no intentions of returning to Dominica. This is not stated in his writing.
Hello. I agree with your post. That person is what’s wrong with people who reside abroad and come home just to vote. I reside abroad but I will never vote because I don’t have to live with the consequences.
“Utter Rubbish”, Mamizoo. Why don’t you address the issue? If you didn’t get it, read the article again
This letter is laughable to say the least. The writer is basing such a statement on what they claim was the response from one person. Let’s get real in this place
Hmmmmm…very interesting. I never knew this was going on in Dominica. The strange thing is, a Dominican residing overseas who wants to build in Dominica go through so much just to buy a little piece of land and squatters getting land for free?
No, no , not free….in return for your vote!
Eh squatters are in Dominica all their life never had the luxury to travel. They contributing more than you think. Pay the bus, buy a cylinder of gas, buy lights, pay for water. It might look small now as compared to your supposed send down money in National Bank. But they are here. If I get the right spot to squat on you think I wouldn’t take it. I just don’t like climbing mountain or passing in people yard to reach home, or plenty police visitations to the next neigbours house. I living far out now travel expensive and so long to go home. Missing work.
Good luck, but good cry!
That make no sense if he could get free land why would he want to buy your land in the first place,i can tell u one thing land is not milk they dont spoil keep your land when things settle down u will get your asking price.Like crazy say in time to come u will see squatters with mansion.
Now because you did not get your land sold for the $50,000 you vex blaming the Government all those years you have the land 18yrs nothing was wrong you were playing Steve Wonder blind as a bat you want to make a fortune on poor Dominicans and go back overseas to play big shot no no no we not foolish the Government have a right to take care of its people and they need shelter so be it
Of course, first the Govt. is enticing people to come and put their money here and next thing they help to reduce the value of their assets, even make them unsaleable. Who would want to put their money into Dominica under those circumstances?? But of course, they already made teir tax and the lawyers their fees.
This issue occurs in all areas of Canefield. I went to land and surveys to query the this as some squatters have moved into my area and are causing a problem. I was told at the time that “this has nothing to do with them and is our parl. rep. that have them there so talk to him.” Needless to say I was extremely disappointed. The issue of squatting has only gotten worse since as well as the issue of burglary. To make it worse I have to wake up to profanity filled language and loud music on weekends. The vehicles parked on the road are not only a health hazard but also a safety hazard. We as Canefield residents need to come together to save our community.
Withold your rates and the urban council, which is supposed to look after your interests will soon squeek. They would have to take all to court for non-payment and I doubt they would do that because of the stink this would generate. Civil disobedience is the weapon you have and it is powerful.
Let us start the balll rolling, as of this week I will be registered in Canefield, I sure my vote and my family members votes, (six of us) is valid. Thank you for speaking out.
yes planning was in the proceeds of evicting people and the government stop them. now how is this fair to the hard working people of canefield east.
SQUATTER REGULARISATION POLICY is the Government’s prerogative. They have a right to do as they choose with their land. Nothing that is being done suggests that the government has taken your land and gave it to anyone. They state has a right to compulsorily confiscate any land or property on island and properly compensate the owner for so doing ; in the PUBLIC INTERESTS. There are some persons in canefield however who have known to approach the Government for assistance in giving them Family/private land on the rate as $1.00 a square foot and the government cannot do this at all. It is not legal or fair to the legal owners to do this.
There are several thousands Dominicans who just cannot afford to buy land at such high rates of $12 plus a sq ft of land hence the Squatter programe by the government is the best for the poor. We must all be able to own a piece of Dominica.
If such is the case, maybe the squatters should squat on government-owned land and on or near the property of the government ministers. See how they would like it and see how quickly they will be evicted.
Squatters should not be residing near people’s residence. How would the government, the minister for that riding like them to reside near their home? There should be an area where the squatters should reside, far from those dwelling places. Most governments and residents do not want squatters in residential areas for good reasons. The government evicts them. Why is Dominica different?
In any case, if those squatters, from the moment they were young, attended school, completed it, were responsible nationals and obtained a job, they would not be squatting and living on free land which does not belong to them. Some people like freebies. They are also bold, lack respect and are a danger and menace to society.
Too many of them live a life of leisure, non-caring about themselves, their future and others. Do not blame the government for that for there are people who are irresponsible. Some of them had no interest in attending school, completing it and seeking employment. They are lazy. Therefore, this is how they live as some of them cohabit and have children out of wedlock in addition to being godless. They assume that the government and society owe them everything when it should be the other way around. I am further stating that God will hold all the lazy people accountable; those who made no effort to help themselves and depend on the government and others for financial support and housing. Know that every country has squatters and the governments of those countries have problems with such people. If you are a bleeding heart, contemplate on this.
yOU DONT KNOW WHAT private nuisance is all about. I feel sorry. Try to be sensible at once.
We are missing the real issue people. There is a housing crisis in DA – affordable housing for the poor. Nearby squatting will depreciate property value. We must address the concerrns of all. Relocate the squatters with affordable housing with modern conveniences, which they now lack; just ask the residents of Canefield East. These very residents will not suffer depreciating real estate. Hope the powers that be are listening.
I have an advice for you and for the government. Life is short and time flies. Those young children that are at school discipline and train them properly. Teach them to study well, to remain in school for good reasons that they will, one day graduate, seek employment and obtain gainful employment.
I am further informing you that the manner in which I see it, not only in Dominica, governments have failed the people. They have also failed the children. They left them to their own devices. If they fail in school, they fail in school. They failed to graduate then they may always remain as paupers, dependent on the government and others for support. This is how I see it which is why there is poverty in Dominica, in any country of the world.
Those governments are too busy living sinful lives, legislating immoralities in the land and they fail to do good for their nationals especially the young ones. They need to be told in no uncertain way to help their people and especially the youth as mentioned. I could go on and on. This is why, God help me, I hope to write a few books while he gives me this God-given precious allotted time.
I feel your pain,however,dont be surprised that you end up on the animal show as being the one who is at fault.
He is not at fault. Those who are just should stand up for him; speak out and write about it. I am informing you, being a person of discipline it is too bad that I am not the PM of Dominica or an elected minister in that riding.
Telling it like it is, the government should have a way of handling squatters and give them property, not near where hardworking residents build their beautiful homes. They do not deserve that. These people probably regret building in that area.
No law, No constitution….! You are too free!
Have a couple seats, play miracle chairs in the stadium. You have no intention of building in Dominica because you live in paradise hence you have no authority to say jack. I doubt the person told you any of that, more than you want to sell your land and find you in a tie, everybody knows about the squatters so bam you make a story up. How can the ministers be vargrants when they have home, then you talk about not being political. Give the land to your family in Dominica, you don’t have electoral votes anywhere in Dominica much less to withdraw them. You brokes and tie up and you can’t sell the land fast enough so you have a nancy story.
Oh don’t be ridiculous… everybody knows that Canefield East in the newest Squatters Paradise… soon to replace Fond Cole… At 1.00 per sq ft… That’s why the next phase of development for the Scheme cannot go forward… Too much politricks games playing…
Sir its best you just fence your land and agree on your loss because soon squatters might take over your lot…
You have my sympathies…
This is sad, disappointing and makes me angry that he would lose his property to lazy and good-for-nothing people who live off the avails of others. Call a spade a spade. This is crucial. The government must do something about it and soon enough.
I can only hope that you are not someone whom I know and vice versa. However I hope not.
It is his business what he chooses to do with his property and none of yours. 
everybody know you madddddd