The lead story in Wednes-day's STAR was indeed quite disturbing. The article which was published under the headline, Leave or Die, revealed the trials of some residents of a St Andrew community.

The residents were reportedly issued notices that warned them to vacate their homes or face the ultimate punishment. The residents immediately left and rightfully so, as we are sure that those were not empty threats.

It is sad to see people living in such conditions where they are not even being allowed to choose where they live. No one has the right to force another person from his/her home and as the residents expressed, many of them have been forced to stay with friends or relatives, leaving their homes and furniture behind, unattended.

The hoodlums behind this displacement should be punished with the full force of the law because it is not fair that their word should be law and everyone must follow their orders. What right do they have to force anyone out of anywhere and why have the authorities not stepped in?

The rights of people are obviously being trespassed upon and someone needs to step in. How much longer will these people have to 'kotch' or live in fear?