Punta Pacifica residents face off against Government demolition move

RESIDENTS of four buildings in Punta Pacifica are themselves “on guard” to protect their security guardhouse from the government’s transit agency (ATTT).

They said Wednesday, February 12, the third day of the confrontation that they would remain vigilant to efforts by the government to remove their security guardhouse.

The guardhouse serves four buildings in Pacific Courtyard: Pacific Blue, Royal Pacific, Courtyard View and Ocean Drive.
It also serves as the only access to a parcel of reclaimed land that the government sold to a private businessman, Gabriel Btesh with close links to President Ricardo Martinelli.
To gain access to the land, the government has tried to tear down the guardhouse, but so far it has been rejected by the residents.
They have started a vigil to prevent the transit agency ATTT or the Ministry of Public Works from tearing down the structure.
Jahaira Miranda, who lives in one of the buildings in the complex, told LA Prensa that residents have "a contingency plan" and are aware that the ATTT can strike anytime.
The wall that protects the complex borders a 4,318-square-meter parcel that was sold to businessman Btesh.
The only access to the land is through the guardhouse. That has started a chain of events with both sides seeking to control access.
Last Monday, a team from the ATTT came with a backhoe to try to demolish the guardhouse, on the grounds that it prevented the movement of pedestrians and vehicles.
Residents, however, say the ATTT is acting in an arbitrary manner and that their rights are being abused.
They said they are prepared to stand up to the  government.