The GSD have issued a statement reiterating their concerns about the planned relocation of residents from Queen’s Hotel Hostel to Sunrise Motel Hostel.

A statement from the GSD follows below:

The GSD remains concerned about the manner of the planned relocation of residents from Queen’s Hotel Hostel to  Sunrise Motel Hostel, an issue already highlighted in Parliament and through previous press releases. 

It appears that the Government is intent on ensuring the relocation (or eviction) of these residents from the Queen’s  Hotel even though the Sunrise Motel has not yet had the necessary extension built. This will be tantamount to moving  the residents from their current conditions to a future building site within which their living conditions will not have  improved and may, indeed, worsen.  

Following a public appeal by several Queen’s Hotel Hostel residents, the GSD expresses disappointment that, despite  all these years, a satisfactory solution remains elusive. This was further underscored by the Minister responsible for  this area, who recently stated in Parliament that she was “not aware that there were any issues with this move.”  However, the community witnessed first-hand the dissatisfaction amongst several Queen’s Hotel Hostel residents,  making it clear that significant concerns remain unresolved. 

One major issue seems to stem from the alterations at Sunrise Motel Hostel intended to accommodate additional  residents. As confirmed in Parliament by the Housing Minister, spaces previously used as laundry rooms, dining areas,  and offices have been converted into sleeping quarters designed to hold up to 4, 5, and even 8 residents per room.  This arrangement has prompted strong opposition from residents who expected improved living conditions, rather  than overcrowding which they have described as being "crammed together like cattle." Although assurances have  been made regarding the facility’s readiness, the Government indicates that Sunrise Motel’s planned expansion is still  in design stages, with no clear timeline for commencement let alone completion. This raises the real possibility that  residents could face cramped living conditions for an extended period, potentially lasting years. 

Shadow Minister for Care and Equality, Atrish Sanchez, commented, “We are deeply concerned about the readiness  of Sunrise Motel to house additional residents, given that communal spaces originally created for a purpose have  been converted to sleeping quarters, now intended to accommodate up to eight people per room. These individuals  have worked, lived, and contributed to our community for most of their lives, and the alternatives for them—to  accept possibly worse conditions or face homelessness—is simply unacceptable. In many instances, residents need  to live in these hostels for years, as they have nowhere else to go, making it imperative to ensure they have adequate  living conditions for their mental and physical well-being. Further, many of these residents are elderly members of  our community some of whom have noted issues related to mobility, disability and health. The current arrangements  are highly questionable and leaves a lot to be desired.” 

The GSD urges the Government to immediately reassess the living conditions at Sunrise Motel Hostel to address the  residents' concerns. The GSD also calls for a just and dignified solution that respects the dignity and well-being of  Queen’s Hotel Hostel residents, who have expressed strong opposition to the planned relocation.