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In December 2019, many residents said to be squatting in Fort Charles, Port Royal, received an eviction notice from the Urban Development Commission (UDC) and were promised to be removed by January 2020 if they failed to do so. But because of COVID-19, they still have roofs over their heads, four months past the deadline.

Tashnee Tomlinson, who operates a business on the beach, has been living in Fort Charles for over 20 years. She told THE STAR that she is now just waiting to see what happens.

"Because of the whole coronavirus thing, we haven't heard anything else as yet," she said. "So, we are still waiting.

"There was a statement being made that the businesses are going to stay. There were some other talks that the people who own the houses will be able to purchase the land behind the houses. But there is nothing concrete as yet."

Tomlinson says she didn't make any plans to move, in the event that she was evicted.

"We are just watching, waiting to see what will happen after COVID-19 is over," she said. "I wasn't looking to go anywhere else.

Not an option

"I was just here hoping that things would work out."

Meanwhile, a 72-year-old man, who preferred only to be referred to as 'Paul,' says moving after COVID-19 is still not an option.

"As mi always tell people, this is where mi born and grow," he said. "I don't have anywhere else to go and I don't plan to. I have been here all my life, so where must I go? I don't have anything else, nowhere else!

"Dem ah play judge, jury, and killer fi ah decide at dis stage in people life dat people must just up and move."

Ondre Kelly has been in Fort Charles for more than 30 years. He lived there with his mother as a youngster, but has since raised his own family there since her passing.

"Nobody don't come to us about nothing at all," he said. "And I never expect anybody to come. I wouldn't have anywhere to go, so I would just be homeless," the 40-year-old man said.

Kelly says if the UDC's plans to facilitate sustainable development to the 'historic' Port Royal are still in effect, he doesn't know what that would mean for him and his family.

"Dem cyaa just really come do nothing like this," he said. "That is very out of order. I was nervous when the notice came. Anybody woulda nervous."