Evicted people left to themselves

Nine families, some with children, were evicted from the shantytown at Bois-Marchand on Saturday. The ministry of Housing and Lands decided to take firm action after complaints about the ?eye-sore? bordering the motorway. Except that the demolished houses will not ease the situation. The other huts belong to ?legalised? former squatters. Minister Dullul said he had to enforce the law. And the Trust Fund for the Social Integration of Vulnerable Groups spokesperson said he is not sure the evicted people qualify for help.

Mutual dislike

SP Prem Raddhoa and lawyer Ivan Collendavelloo were involved in a psychological wrestling match in Mapou District Court last week. Called as prosecution witness in the murder case of Vanessa Lagesse in March 2001, Raddhoa protested to the magistrate on his second day in court, about the way defence counsel Collendavelloo addressed him. The counsel for the prosecution found nothing wrong with the lawyer?s attitude. The issue was Raddhoa?s statements to the press concerning Martine Desmarais? testimony where she provided an alibi for Maigrot, the accused. Raddhoa is back in court today and tempers are sure to flare once again.