Meadows expresses concern following Coopers Pen demolitions

The People's National Party (PNP) Chairman for Trelawny Northern, Dennis Meadows, has expressed concern following the demolition of structures in the Coopers Pen community earlier Tuesday, questioning the apparent lack of representation and support for affected residents. Meadows noted that while the legality of the operation may ultimately be determined through the appropriate legal processes, the humanitarian impact on the families affected cannot be overlooked. "Regardless of the legal issues involved, today's events have left several Jamaican families displaced.

At times such as these, residents expect their elected representative to be present, to engage the relevant authorities, and to ensure that those affected receive fair treatment and the necessary assistance," Meadows said in a press release. WATCH: 20 families homeless after early morning demolition in Trelawny He observed that the operation comes at a particularly difficult time for many families who are still recovering from the effects of Hurricane Melissa while simultaneously preparing for the start of the new school year. Meadows said the circumstances called for a coordinated response to minimise hardship and to ensure that vulnerable residents were not left without support.

He also expressed disappointment at what he said was the apparent absence of advocacy on behalf of the affected residents by the constituency's Member of Parliament and Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism, Tova Hamilton. "The people of Northern Trelawny deserve to know that their concerns are being represented, particularly when decisions of this nature have such significant consequences for families and communities," he said. Meadows further questioned what he described as an inconsistency in the Government's approach, noting that while it has publicly indicated its willingness to accommodate third-country nationals under the United States' Third Country National (TCN) programme, Jamaican families facing displacement appeared to have received little visible support.

He called on the relevant government agencies to ensure that all affected residents are treated with dignity and that appropriate assistance is provided to those displaced.