Homeless encampments a public health risk activists warn

Vagrants have returned to a recently cleared squatters’ encampment at Worthing prompting a Christ Church community activist to warn that the location could pose a significant public health threat.

Adrian Donovan has previously voiced concern about the state of the premises which are located next to a supermarket.

Mr. Donovan believes new legislation may need to be passed to allow authorities to not only remove vagrants from such locations but to keep them away as some of the homeless people have various mental and other challenges but believe they have a right to set up home wherever they want.

Christ Church community activist, Adrian Donovan.

Meantime, President of Barbados Alliance to End Homelessness, Kemar Saffrey, shares the concerns and notes that several building fires have been the result of homeless people living in abandoned properties.

He also urges property owners to secure their unoccupied premises.

Meantime, the Alliance is working with the government authorities on the issue of the homeless.