Former Club Med squatters and residents of the Leopards Club face their second temporary move since May despite Government pledging to work towards a permanent solution.

In a press conference held at the Cabinet Building yesterday, Senator David Burch said the Government would not rest until people who are in need of homes are properly housed.

He announced there would be a new transitional/emergency housing complex at the Gulfstream, Southside, St. David's to house 83 displaced families - those currently at the Southampton Beach Resort, Wyndham, along with people on the Bermuda Housing Corporation (BHC) emergency housing list.

The squatters at Club Med moved to Wyndham and the Leopards Club residents were placed in an old rest home in St. George's and then Wyndham making this the third move for both groups.

Housing Minister Sen. Burch explained the building is three storeys and was previously used to house single US military personel. The building has 83 suite-style rooms with a bathroom between two rooms.

He said: "Asbestos abatement work began at the beginning of July to endure that health and safety concerns with regard to the building were addressed. Invited contractors will being the renovation works immediately [after] the asbestos contractor concludes his work".

H.U.S.T.L.E. truck workers were involved with the initial clean-up removing trash and old furniture. Renovations include new windows, electrical and plumbing upgrades, installation of smoke detectors and a new roof being put on. The target date for the families to move in is mid-September when phone one of the renovations are complete. Sen. Burch said phase two includes "increased ammeneties such as purpose-built, centrally located kitchen and laundry facilities on each floor".

He stressed that this was not permanent housing.

"I must highlight that this shelter is not intended to be a place resplendent in comfort amenities for residents, but should be viewed as a pit-stop on the journey to better accommodation".

"I must also reiterate at this juncture that people who have registered with the Bermuda Housing Corporation will be afforded occupancy in first instance. Let me repeat my calls, as I have done so countless times before to encourage those in need of help to register with the BHC. There is little value in waiting until there is another announcement before doing so".

Sen. Burch thanked the owners of the Southampton Beach Resort for coming to the aide of people in need by allowing the use of their dormitories for the displaced families. Last night The Royal Gazette tried to clarify some of the comments from Sen. Burch. We asked two questions.

The first: In the speech, you said there are 83 families and 83 rooms. How big are the families? Will one room be sufficient for a family?

The second: What is being done to find them more permanent housing? Have they been spoken to in reference to how they feel about being moved?

A Government response said: "The Minister stated in his announcement about relocating the Club Med tenants to the Wyndham staff quarters that this would be a temporary situation, until a permanent facility could be found.

"We are of the view that this is the second move for them. Yes they are aware as the Bermuda Housing Corporation holds regular house meetings with all its tenants.

"If they are adverse to the move to the Gulf Stream facility, the individuals have the freedom to secure other accommodations of their own.''