ISU puts brakes on planned Demolition 

Dana Malcolm 

Staff Writer   

#TurksandCaicos, November 24, 2023 – The Informal Settlement Unit, ISU has issued an emergency stay on demolitions planned for December as it attempts to sort out ownership  issues with a firm promise not to evict anyone with genuine claims.

Eviction notices were recently issued on residents thought to be squatting on private land in Dock Yard indicating they should leave by December 8th.

“All structures affected would appear to be located on privately owned land and to have been built without the requisite planning permissions,” the ISU said.

However, following the dispatch of those eviction notices residents have come forward with documents they say prove ownership; now the ISU wants to investigate these claims properly.

“A number of the owners and occupants of such structures have come forward within the last several days with papers, including receipts for the payment of money that tend to show that they might have at least an equitable interest in the lands they occupy. It is right that all such claims should be investigated fully and that all such persons be dealt with fairly.”

The eviction and demolition notices have been delayed a month to January 8th in order to facilitate this process.

The pushback follows a Magnetic Media report on the claims by a Turks and Caicos Islander that she had received notice that her 20 year old home, which she stated she owned outright, would be demolished. The frantic woman said she had appealed to government agents at various level to no avail.

Magnetic Media reached out to the ISU regarding the claims and a swift response was provided indicating the team was investigating. The legality of that eviction order which seems to go against the Planning ordinance was not addressed. But the ISU firmly indicated its mandate was not to make homeowners homeless, but rather ensuring questionable properties are brought up to scratch or removing what was built illegally.

On Tuesday, the Unit confirmed the postponement of demolition and encourages anyone with an eviction notice and has proof of ownership or proof money that they paid for the land occupied by them, to come forward immediately with their receipts.

“They may do so in full reliance upon the pledge given here that such papers will be assessed carefully and fairly, and that they will not be made homeless where their documents suggest an ownership interest in the lands they occupy.”

Only private landowners in the area of Dock Yard, earmarked for December 8 demolition exercises, are being considered, said the ISU in a statement.

On Wednesday, the Informal Settlements Unit announced a press conference set for Monday November 27 at its headquarter office at LaPorte’s Plaza.