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Dear Sir,

The article 'I just want somewhere to call home' (July 23) was brought to my attention this morning and after reviewing I thought it important that I respond to allow your audience access to the facts as they relate to the BLDC and Mr. Chasty.

1. During the week of June 23rd, 2008 the BLDC was advised by one its' tenants that a person was living aboard a boat situated at what we commonly refer to as Gate # 1, on land currently under the management of BLDC.

2. In keeping with our policy not to allow persons to live aboard boats stored on our property, a BLDC representative visited the site / boat in question and determined that based on the amount of personal items on-board, that this appeared to be accurate information. However, at the time of the site visit the BLDC representative could not locate the person in question.

3. As there are standard policies and procedures that a landlord must follow in these situations, the BLDC notified the Bermuda Police Department of our suspicions and it was agreed that a joint visit should take a place. The initial visit found no one on the boat but it was agreed that a visit in the evening may uncover the person's identity.

4. One of the options provided to the BLDC was to have the offending party arrested for trespassing. But upon a visit on June 27th, 2008 by the Bermuda Police Department, Mr. Chasty was located on the boat and his illness was brought to our attention.

5. The BLDC then made the conscious decision to seek assistance for Mr. Chasty and proceeded to engage in detailed discussions with representatives of the following organizations:

a. The Bermuda Housing Corporation.

b. The National Office of Seniors & Physically Challenged.

6. Mr. Chasty was well known to both organizations and based on these discussions it was clear that steps had been taken to assist Mr. Chasty secure a permanent residence.

7. July 28th, 2008 was provided as a date that the BHC was hoping to have Mr. Chasty housed.

8. It is very important to note that the BLDC DID NOT stipulate a date for eviction. In fact, the BLDC advised both organizations that we would allow Mr. Chasty to remain on the boat in question until suitable housing arrangements were made.

9. It is also very important to note, that as your pictures displayed in your July 23rd, 2008 article, Mr. Chasty's current living conditions are not only unhealthy, but unsafe.

I trust that this helps to shed some light on this picture.

Richard Calderon

The Bermuda Land Development Company Ltd (BLDC)[[In-content Ad]]

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