Ministry of Labour mobilises support for families affected by Coopers Pen demolition

KINGSTON, Jamaica—The Ministry of Labour and Social Security says it is providing support to families affected by the demolition of homes in Coopers Pen, Trelawny, on Tuesday, August 11, 2026. The ministry in a press release on Wednesday said following reports of the incident, social workers from its Trelawny Parish Office visited the community to conduct a preliminary assessment of affected households and identify immediate welfare needs. It said based on the preliminary assessment, approximately 40 families have been affected, including households with children, senior citizens, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable individuals.

“Consistent with its social protection mandate, the Ministry mobilised additional support and, working alongside the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) and other stakeholders, returned to the community to provide immediate humanitarian assistance to affected residents. The team worked beyond midnight to ensure that vulnerable residents were assessed and supported,” the ministry said. According to the ministry, assistance distributed included food supplies, bottled water, toiletries, buckets, temporary shelter supplies, tents and lighting equipment.

It said intervention is focused on assessing the immediate welfare needs of affected families, identifying vulnerable persons and connecting eligible residents with available social assistance and support services. “The ministry’s immediate concern is the welfare of the families affected, particularly children, older persons, persons with disabilities and others who may be vulnerable. Our social workers have been on the ground assessing their needs and providing immediate assistance, and we will continue to work with our partners to determine what additional support can be provided within the Ministry’s social protection programmes,” said Minister of Labour and Social Security, Pearnel Charles Jr.

The ministry said it will continue to assess the needs of affected residents and coordinate with the relevant agencies and stakeholders, as appropriate, to provide available social assistance to eligible families.