The People’s National Party (PNP) acknowledges the reported progress towards the relocation of residents of Coopers Pen whose homes were demolished in the early hours of August 11, 2026.

Trelawny Northern Constituency Chairman Dennis Meadows said the announcement that the Government is moving to relocate the first group of affected residents is an important step towards addressing the circumstances faced by more than 20 residents and their families following the demolition of their homes. 

“We acknowledge the progress being reported in identifying and surveying suitable relocation sites. However, this must be viewed as the beginning of a process to properly address the circumstances of the affected families. Those residents deserve safe, suitable and secure housing, and they must be treated with dignity throughout the process,” Meadows said.

The PNP has previously called for practical housing solutions, including the use of semi-permanent modular units, along with the infrastructure necessary to make such housing viable. Meadows said the Government’s consideration of these options is consistent with recommendations already advanced by the Opposition. “What is important now is that the proposed solutions are implemented efficiently and that the affected residents are meaningfully consulted throughout the process. Relocation cannot simply mean moving families from one place to another. It must provide them with safe and suitable accommodation and restore a measure of stability to families whose lives have been significantly disrupted,” he said.

Meadows also said the review directed by Prime Minister Andrew Holness into the operational role of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) in evictions is necessary and should result in clear protocols governing police involvement in such matters. “The events at Coopers Pen have highlighted the need for greater clarity around the role of the police in evictions. The JCF must operate within a framework that protects citizens, maintains public order and respects the rights of all parties involved,” Meadows said.

He noted that the circumstances surrounding the demolition have already created significant legal and public-policy concerns and said lessons must be drawn to prevent similar situations from occurring elsewhere.  “The people of Coopers Pen deserve justice, and the country deserves assurance that the circumstances that led to this situation will be properly examined. The focus must now be on ensuring that the affected families are adequately supported, that appropriate housing solutions are delivered and that there is accountability for the processes that led to their displacement,” Meadows said.

The People’s National Party will continue to monitor developments and provide oversight to ensure that the residents of Coopers Pen receive the justice, housing and support they deserve as citizens of Jamaica.