By Lynford Simpson, News EditorDENNIS MORRISON QC has recommended that the St. James Parish Council take steps to bring closure to the disposal of the controversial Bogue lands in a 'non-confrontational' manner.
Mr. Morrison, a prominent attorney who was asked by Local Government Minister Portia Simpson Miller to conduct an enquiry into the status of the lands belonging to the council and occupied by informal settlers, also recommended that the council: "Develop a philosophy of land use and development to guide and underpin its approach to the divestment of council lands..."
He also wants the Office of the Superintendent be given the technical and administrative capability to prevent future ad hoc informal settling.
A full report of Mr. Morrison's findings and recommendations were tabled yesterday in the House of Representatives along with a ministry paper.
PROBE REVEALS BREACH
An earlier probe by Councillor Charles Sinclair of the St. James Parish Council into the illegal occupation of the 10.5 acres of prime residential property, pointed to gross negligence, impropriety on the part of parish council officials, and clear breaches of the law.
The latest probe was conducted on the advice of the Attorney-General's Department, which concluded that an independent investigation be carried out in an 'effort to rid the council of any semblance of impropriety'.
The lands in question were estimated at $75 million in 2002, and are illegally occupied by some prominent Montegonians, some of whom have constructed elaborate structures on the property. A total of 14 informal settlers occupy the site, which adjoins the Bogue Industrial Estate.
"It is impossible to comprehend how these developments could have taken place over several years in an area not too distant from the centre of the city of Montego Bay where the council has its offices ..." Mr. Morrision said.
He chided the council for ignoring an 'early caution' from former mayor and chairman, Arthur Gilchrist. The former mayor, according to the minutes of a meeting dated July 20, 1994, said: "I think the Parish Council is under obligation consistent with propriety to insist that no one takes possession of the property until and if the Ministry of Local Government has authorised a lease. This matter is of serious importance and requires prompt attention."
Mr. Gilchrist was speaking against the background of reports that the property had been 'surveyed, parcelled up and apportioned to individuals who were unauthorised'.
"All of the above describes a sorry history of mal-administration and mismanagement. I am at a loss to understand why it is, that a clear warning from Mayor Gilchrist... was not heeded by the council," Mr. Morrison said.
