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Demolition sparks charges of discrimination
Denise Hilliman's structure which was demolished by the Ministry of Public Works while neighbouring structures were untouched
They say God works in mysterious ways … well apparently so does the Ministry of Public Works too, said Denise Hilliman, the owner of a house and business place that were demolished Tuesday by the Ministry.
Her property was on Government reserve at Mandela Avenue. However, the demolition raised questions because while her property was targeted, 12 other structures also standing on the same reserve were left untouched.
Hilliman explained that no formal notice (letter) was given to her in advance of the demolition exercise but she was cognizant that her structure was on the Government reserve.
She said that half hour before the demolition commenced two men in a Ministry of Public Works vehicle instructed her to remove all her belongings as they were mandated by the Minister of Transport and Hydraulics, Robeson Benn, to demolish the structure.
The woman recounted that she immediately went to meet Minister Benn at his Kingston Office, and confirmed her belief that she was being targeted, when he said that he did not order anyone to demolish any structure.
However, a source at the Ministry said that three weeks ago, an engineer was sent to inform squatters of their removal. The source added that the agreement between the Ministry and squatters was that no new addition to structures, particularly for vending purposes, would be allowed.
It was emphasised that Hilliman’s structure was newly constructed and served as a business entity. In the past, persons were killed dodging traffic to purchase items from businesses on the reserve.
It was noted that Hilliman’s structure was demolished years ago and the then President Janet Jagan sent her with a letter to the Ministry of Housing for land in Sophia.
To her dismay, the Ministry allocated her plot of land to another woman and the matter is at the High Court. She emphasised that she is willing to relocate but Government should find alternative living accommodation.
The source explained that in light of the anticipated expansion of the Mandela Avenue to four-lane, the squatters would be relocated south of the National Gymnasium.
Hilliman, who is a single parent, occupies the structure with her three children and two grandchildren. The business which is attached to the front of her home and faces the road is the only means of survival for the Hillimans.
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