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Daryl Vaz, Minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation - file photo
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Daryl Vaz
Most Port Royal residents who have been given notice to move to make way for development of the area are yet to obey the order despite an extension granted in December.
The extension expired on January 4.
Daryl Vaz, Minister without portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, said only eight families have left so far.
"There are about 28 residencies there, including three commerical enterprises on the beach that are in question, which some of those were scheduled to have been removed in December, which was put on hold," he said.
He noted that all the persons who have moved so far have done so willingly, however, he could not guarantee that a forceful eviction would not take place at a later date for persons who refuse to leave.
Mr. Vaz said the authorities are willing to help with alternative housing solutions for displaced residents.
He said this includes help finding houses outside of the community.
He added that the National Housing Trust will give special consideration to displaced residents who cannot afford the new units to be provided in Port Royal.
"I have been assured that there is going to be a very, very extensive menu of options in relation to facilitation of those persons who originate from Port Royal to make every opportunity for them to be able to be one of the beneficiaries of the new housing solutions that are going to be there because that's the intention of those particular houses," he said, adding that the options would be available whether or not the affected residents are NHT contributors.
Mr. Vaz was speaking Thursday with RJR's Beyond the Headlines host Dionne Jackson Miller.
The government says the eviction notice was issued as the lands are needed for the redevelopment of Port Royal as a cruise ship destination.
The community is to welcome its first ship on January 20.
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