Widow Takes Legal Action Against SDA Church Over Alleged Land Encroachment

A legal dispute has emerged between a widow and the leadership of the Bog Walk Seventh-day Adventist Church in St. Catherine over a parcel of land the church is allegedly occupying without proper authorization.

In a claim filed in the Civil Division of the Supreme Court in October 2024, the retiree seeks an order for the church to “deliver up vacant possession of the property” located on Bybrook Church Road. Vacant possession implies that the rightful owner or tenant should have undisturbed access to the property, free from any third-party interference.

The widow stated in her affidavit that the church was issued a notice to vacate the property on August 10, 2024, requiring them to leave by September 30, 2024. Despite this, she claims the church has remained on the property and has even constructed a permanent structure and begun building a concrete wall, allegedly encroaching on her land.

Supporting documents, including a surveyor’s report, were filed with the court. The report outlines the claimed boundary breach and details the portion of the property the widow alleges is being occupied by the church.

The widow asserts that neither she, her late husband, nor anyone authorized by them ever gave the church permission to use the property. She also claims the church continued to occupy the space despite being informed that the land was earmarked for a housing development.

The Bog Walk Seventh-day Adventist Church, according to its Facebook page, has been a part of the community since the 1950s.

The widow’s attorney, Clayton Lawrence, confirmed that the church has been served with the legal documents. The church’s attorney has acknowledged receipt, signaling the beginning of a legal process to resolve the dispute.

The court will assess the evidence, including the surveyor’s findings and other documents submitted by the widow, as the case progresses.