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- Holness described disturbing images from Coopers Pen, highlighting a newborn and its mother among the displaced.
- Government mobilised ODPEM and the Ministry of Labour and Social Security to respond to the humanitarian crisis.
- Holness stressed the need to confront informal settlements compassionately, pledging a structured programme while noting squatting cannot be endorsed but equal access to land and housing is essential.
Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness expressed deep alarm after viewing disturbing images emanating from the Coopers Pen settlement in Trelawny, where a number of families have been forced to leave their homes. He said the visuals troubled him greatly and that they prompted an immediate governmental reaction aimed at addressing the unfolding humanitarian situation.
Speaking to members of the press, Holness described the scenes as unsettling and conveyed his sympathy for the households affected by the displacement. He noted that the images emerging from the community are troubling and emphasized that swift action is required to alleviate the suffering of those who have lost shelter.
One particular image that caught the prime minister’s attention showed a newborn baby together with its mother, both appearing to have been uprooted from their residence. Holness said this photograph underscored the human dimension of the crisis and reinforced the necessity for prompt assistance to the affected families.
Holness explained that his administration swiftly activated the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) alongside the Ministry of Labour and Social Security to deliver aid. He said the two agencies were tasked with meeting the immediate needs of the displaced residents, including access to basic necessities.
He characterised the incident as a disaster, noting that the coordinated effort was intended to respond to the humanitarian crisis that had arisen. The prime minister said the government’s actions were designed to provide relief and to stabilise conditions for those left without adequate shelter.
He added that the underlying circumstances are complicated and involve legal proceedings that are currently under review. Holness said he is receiving advice on the court rulings that pertain to the case and that he will wait for a full understanding of the situation before determining further steps.
The prime minister stated that he will address the matter in its entirety once all relevant details are available. In the meantime, he stressed that the priority remains providing support to the families who have been displaced and ensuring that their basic necessities are met while longer‑term considerations are examined.
Beyond the emergency response, Holness used the occasion to draw attention to Jamaica’s long‑standing challenge of informal settlements. He said that while squatting and the unlawful occupation of land cannot be condoned, every citizen should have a fair chance to obtain land and adequate housing, and that the state must work toward solutions that respect both legality and equity.
He called for a response that is compassionate, fair and sustainable, arguing that any long‑term solution must balance the rule of law with the dignity of residents. Holness said the government will work toward developing a structured programme that builds on existing housing initiatives to tackle informal settlements across the island in a coordinated manner.
Concluding his remarks, the prime minister urged all stakeholders to cooperate in finding lasting answers that prevent future displacement while guaranteeing equal access to land and housing for all Jamaicans. He expressed confidence that a balanced approach can be achieved through dialogue, coordinated action and a commitment to uphold the rights of every citizen.