Donnette Campbell sits on the remains of what was her three-bedroom house. - Noel Thompson

WESTERN BUREAU:

Since Tuesday, Donnette Campbell and her two children, ages two and 16, have being sleeping on a mattress on the floor inside her neighbour's one-room house.

She was forced into this situation when a team sanctioned by the Housing Agency of Jamaica (HAJ) went to White Hall Phase III in Negril, Westmoreland, and demolished her three-bedroom board house along with others which were said to have been built there illegally.

However, Campbell claims she leased the plot of land that she was on from its owner, Leebert Brown. She produced documents to substantiate her claim. Brown's son, Denton, has confirmed that his father owns the property.

"My house was on lot 2093 and I was given several notices to remove it. On December 5th, last year, I was served a demolition notice. I leased a plot of land from Mr Brown and placed my house there. It hurts me so badly to see what they have done to me and I was not trespassing on their land," Campbell said.

On Tuesday, several illegal houses and structures were demolished, resulting in a fierce stand-off between residents and police.

Minister of Housing and Water, Dr Horace Chang, said Campbell's house could have been a matter of confusion, as his understanding is that houses were photographed and submitted to the demolition crew. "I don't know how the matter was handled, but I am sure if there was an error on the HAJ's part she will be compensated," he said.

Joseph Shoucair, the HAJ's managing director, corroborated Chang's statement. "I do not yet have a comprehensive report on that particular matter. I understand that the contractor identified her house by photograph and not by location," said Shoucair. "In the event that is so, Donnette Campbell will be fully compensated. I am already in discussions on the matter with both my portfolio minister, Dr Horace Chang and Member of Parliament, Dr Wykeham McNeil, and we have a clear understanding that where any trespass is caused there will be an appropriate remedy."