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Cemetery controversy turns violent
Wednesday, 12 March 2008
Tension in Shettlewood, Hanover reached fever peak Tuesday night, when three houses were shot up and a resident injured in the aftermath of a public meeting involving Health Minister Ruddy Spencer.
One of the houses is said to be owned by a member of the Ramble Community Development Committee (CDC) who was vocal at the meeting.
The occupants escaped injury.
The meeting, which was attended by more than 300 residents, was called to discuss the controversy surrounding the establishment and operation of the Royal Rest Cemetery.
It was reported that just after 9 o'clock shots were fired at persons returning from the meeting.
Member of Parliament D.K Duncan said the shootings took place near the Shettlewood Baptist Church where the meeting with the Health Minister was held.
"People on their way home from the meeting were shot at, three homes had window panes shot out and one person injured. We're certain that this is the continuation of the intimidation that has been taking place ever since burials have been attempted at the cemetery. We feel that because of the successful meeting we had with the minister, people found it necessary to intimidate people who were going home last night," he said.
For the past two months, Shettlewood has been the scene of intense protests by residents who are opposed to the development and operation of a cemetery in the community.
They claim that the cemetery is too close to their water source and will affect their water quality.
This is despite several environmental studies that show that the cemetery posed no threat.
The residents have been calling for the government to place a stop order on the cemetery.
In the meantime, residents of Shettlewood could reconsider plans to proceed with their court case against the developers of the Royal Rest Cemetery.
Dr. Duncan said following Monday night's meeting with the Mr. Spencer the residents want an amicable end to the dispute.
"In light of his intervention, the citizens have mandated me as their CDC representative to meet with the lawyers made available to them by the Public Defender, to discuss the implications of (Tuesday's) meeting in order to have further discussions with the Minister.
The residents, through the Ramble Community Development Committee, last Thursday filed an application in the Supreme Court.
They have sought leave for a judicial review of the National Environment and Planning Agency's (NEPA's) decision to grant a permit to Delapenha's Funeral Home to conduct burials in the area.
The residents are also seeking an injunction against NEPA, Delapenha's Funeral Home and the Attorney General, to stop the operation of the cemetery.
Wednesday, 12 March 2008
Tension in Shettlewood, Hanover reached fever peak Tuesday night, when three houses were shot up and a resident injured in the aftermath of a public meeting involving Health Minister Ruddy Spencer.
One of the houses is said to be owned by a member of the Ramble Community Development Committee (CDC) who was vocal at the meeting.
The occupants escaped injury.
The meeting, which was attended by more than 300 residents, was called to discuss the controversy surrounding the establishment and operation of the Royal Rest Cemetery.
It was reported that just after 9 o'clock shots were fired at persons returning from the meeting.
Member of Parliament D.K Duncan said the shootings took place near the Shettlewood Baptist Church where the meeting with the Health Minister was held.
"People on their way home from the meeting were shot at, three homes had window panes shot out and one person injured. We're certain that this is the continuation of the intimidation that has been taking place ever since burials have been attempted at the cemetery. We feel that because of the successful meeting we had with the minister, people found it necessary to intimidate people who were going home last night," he said.
For the past two months, Shettlewood has been the scene of intense protests by residents who are opposed to the development and operation of a cemetery in the community.
They claim that the cemetery is too close to their water source and will affect their water quality.
This is despite several environmental studies that show that the cemetery posed no threat.
The residents have been calling for the government to place a stop order on the cemetery.
In the meantime, residents of Shettlewood could reconsider plans to proceed with their court case against the developers of the Royal Rest Cemetery.
Dr. Duncan said following Monday night's meeting with the Mr. Spencer the residents want an amicable end to the dispute.
"In light of his intervention, the citizens have mandated me as their CDC representative to meet with the lawyers made available to them by the Public Defender, to discuss the implications of (Tuesday's) meeting in order to have further discussions with the Minister.
The residents, through the Ramble Community Development Committee, last Thursday filed an application in the Supreme Court.
They have sought leave for a judicial review of the National Environment and Planning Agency's (NEPA's) decision to grant a permit to Delapenha's Funeral Home to conduct burials in the area.
The residents are also seeking an injunction against NEPA, Delapenha's Funeral Home and the Attorney General, to stop the operation of the cemetery.
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