DistantNews
Support us
Demolished Homes in Trelawny Leave Residents Demanding More Than Tents
🇯🇲 Jamaica /Disasters & Emergencies

Demolished Homes in Trelawny Leave Residents Demanding More Than Tents

From Jamaica Observer · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Ongoing story
  • Residents of Cooper's Pen, Trelawny, protested for more assistance after their homes were demolished, demanding relocation and alternative accommodation.
  • Government agencies provided temporary shelter and relief supplies, but residents insist it is insufficient and are seeking justice and permanent housing.
  • The demolition stemmed from a private land dispute, with the government emphasizing its role in addressing humanitarian needs while not being party to the underlying issue.

In Cooper's Pen, Trelawny, residents whose homes were demolished on Tuesday staged a protest Wednesday, demanding more than temporary relief. Approximately 40 families lost their houses, allegedly demolished by a landowner on property some residents had occupied for decades. Protesters insisted that the government or the landowner must provide alternative accommodation, stating that the tents provided by the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) are inadequate for their long-term needs.

We get tent last night, so we can lay a head for the night. What about today? What is going to happen? We want to know where we are going to relocate to. What is going to happen to the people them that their house push down?

— Jessica HayeA resident and demonstrator expressing frustration over the lack of permanent housing solutions after her home was demolished.

"We get tent last night, so we can lay a head for the night. What about today? What is going to happen? We want to know where we are going to relocate to. What is going to happen to the people them that their house push down?" asked demonstrator Jessica Haye, highlighting the uncertainty and fear among the displaced.

The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) acknowledged the demolition arose from a "long-standing private matter" and that the government was not a party to the dispute. However, multiple state agencies, including the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, ODPEM, and the Child Protection and Family Services Agency, were deployed to address the "immediate humanitarian and social welfare needs." Assistance included food, water, toiletries, and temporary shelter supplies like tents and cots.

There is no way you can demolish a house like this, and no notification. No notification. We need justice.

— Jessica HayeA resident protesting the demolition of homes without prior notice.

Despite the aid, residents expressed frustration over the lack of notification before the demolition and demanded justice. Haye emphasized their resolve, stating, "We are not going to stop this [protest] until the prime minister [Dr Andrew Holness] hear. We naw stop. We go come out here day by day because we want justice." Many residents are still recovering from Hurricane Melissa in October, adding to their distress.

We are not going to stop this [protest] until the prime minister [Dr Andrew Holness] hear. We naw stop. We go come out here day by day because we want justice.

— Jessica HayeA resident vowing to continue protesting until their demands for justice and relocation are met.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jamaica Observer in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog