Government steps up support for families displaced by demolition at Cooper’s Pen

The Jamaican government has escalated its multi-agency response to aid families who were displaced by the demolition of homes in Cooper's Pen, Trelawny. Several government bodies are now providing emergency relief and evaluating the needs of the affected residents.

In a statement, the government clarified that the demolition, which occurred on Tuesday, was a result of a private matter and that the government was not a party to the dispute. However, in the wake of the destruction and subsequent displacement, government agencies have mobilized to address the immediate humanitarian and social welfare needs of the affected families.

Social workers from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS) were deployed to the community to conduct initial assessments. These preliminary findings indicated that approximately 40 families, encompassing households with children, senior citizens, and individuals with disabilities, were impacted. The MLSS, in coordination with the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) and other stakeholders, subsequently organized emergency assistance.

Teams worked through the night to continue assessments and distribute essential supplies. ODPEM reported that the emergency response included the provision of 40 family-size tents, cots, foam pads, solar lights, care packages, bottled water, and sanitary products. Additional support encompassed food supplies, toiletries, lighting equipment, and temporary shelter provisions.

Commander Alvin Gayle, Director General of ODPEM, stated that the agency's primary focus was ensuring affected families received basic humanitarian support while authorities address the underlying issues. ODPEM noted that an alternative temporary relocation site had not yet been identified, necessitating immediate shelter provisions while longer-term solutions are considered. The Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) has also dispatched officers to assess the circumstances of affected children and families, determining necessary interventions within their mandate. Further assessments of affected residents and households will be conducted by the Poor Relief Department and the Social Development Commission (SDC), with assistance to be provided through applicable government programs. The Ministry of Local Government also indicated that drop-in shelters would be made available.

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At the time of the intervention, an alternative temporary relocation site had not been identified for the affected residents.