Never go to the Tiger Bay area east of Main Street and the entire southeastern part of the city including, in particular, Albouystown and Ruimveldt areas as armed robbery is almost certain.

Disbursement of the money was promised on the residents vacating the generally derelict buildings they were occupying in the depressed neighbourhood.

The Head of State, who on February 22 last met with residents of Tiger Bay at the West End Youth Centre and made the generous offer, has already released $7.5 million. Minister of Housing and Water, Sheik Baksh, told reporters at a press conference at the GTV Studios, Homestrectch Avenue yesterday.

Minister Baksh, whose Ministry the President had given the mandate to effect payment, said that the remaining $7.5 million be disbursed depending on the progress made by the “Relocation Committee.”

The “Relocation Committee”, which comprises members of the West End Management Committee, will have the power to determine how soon the project will commence, and how the works will be conducted. The Ministry is to provide technical officers to work along with them.

Baksh, who expressed optimism about the outcome of the project, said that the Committee has had several meetings so far.

When President visited the residents in February, the Management Committee raised several concerns with him, including the fact that they were required to vacate the neighbourhood, which had been earmarked for commercial activities.

In order to facilitate this, some 150 families were initially allocated house lots by the Ministry of Housing, but lacked the means of paying for the lots, let alone, building houses on them.

The residents appealed to President Jagdeo for special consideration to be given for them to pay $500 per month towards the cost of their individual house lots until the purchase price is paid off.

Out of compassion, President Jagdeo not only agreed to this request, but he also had another offer for them. The Head of State responded: &#x201CI am prepared, after the Budget, to set aside $15 M to help start the relocation. This would mean about $100,000 per house lot.”

At that meeting, acting on requests by residents, another 20 house lots were allocated, bringing the total to 170 lost provided for the residents seeking shelter. At that meeting too, President Jagdeo presented haversacks to the children of Tiger Bay. Each home owner would be required to provide self-help labour, and President Jagdeo also advised the residents to seek help from private sector businesses and other agencies such as the Food For The Poor.

Noting the importance of the project, and stressing that time was of the essence, President Jagdeo urged the residents to move swiftly: &#x201CIf I don’t see any movement, I am going to put a hold on the fund,” he cautioned.

The timeframe given for them to get ‘rolling’ was between March and July.