Gareth Davis Sr, Gleaner Writer

Ivey

Property owned and occupied by the College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE) in Portland, is under threat from a group of squatters, who have 'captured' a substantial amount of its lands, despite a court ruling which went in favour of the institution.

President of CASE, Dr Paul Ivey, explained that after a long-standing court battle, the Court of Appeal in April 2007 awarded the property at Passley Gardens in the parish, which comprises approximately 850 acres, to CASE. The ruling, according to Ivey, paved the way for the institution to resume its operations, which were under threat from a family - claiming to be owners of the property.

"I am bewildered as to why the ruling of the Appeals Court is not being observed", he said. "Since they have refused to adhere to the court's decision, I believe it is a situation in which the police should execute their duty and for them [squatters] to be held in contempt of court, and for the necessary actions be taken against them."

Since the 'capture' of a section of land at CASE, administrators and students claim they have been forced to stay away from sections of the White Hall section of the property, as they have been threatened by the group of squatters. And in giving up the property against their will, administrators are alleging that they have been forced to abandon projects, including the production of breadfruit, bananas, citrus and vegetables.

Barred

Tensions were further compounded during a visit to CASE last Friday by Energy Minister Clive Mullings. Though the minister identified himself as a government official, he was barred from entering the White Hall property by a squatter manning the gate. Minister Mullings, who was obviously disturbed by the incident, gave the assurance that he would be discussing the squatters' issue with the prime minister and minister of agriculture.

'Bully attitude'

"This situation is unacceptable," said the minister. "Clearly, project operations at CASE have been severely disrupted as a result of the bully attitude from persons, who clearly have no respect for law and order.

"Such behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated under this government."

Efforts by The Gleaner to speak to the squatters were futile, as they had padlocked the gate to the White Hall property, and are refusing to talk to anyone.

The Gleaner saw a concrete structure being built on the White Hall property occupied by squatters.