NewzTRELAWNY, Jamaica — Several residents of the Cooper's Pen community in Trelawny are currently staging a protest regarding the planned further demolition of homes in the community. Residents decked out in white and holding placards gathered along the North Coast Highway, which runs adjacent to the community, to declare their feelings on the matter. Chanting "we need help" and "we need justice", the residents were out from 7:00 am to drive home their concerns surrounding their current predicament.
Some residents say they have been on the property for over 30 years and describe the current situation as surprising and devastating. Just over a week ago, residents woke up to the sounds of heavy machinery and workmen who began demolishing homes in the community. Reports are that on August 11, the pre-dawn operation displaced between 20 and 40 families living in the area.
This came as part of a long-running land dispute involving private interests that are said to own the land. The allegedly unannounced operation drew widespread condemnation regarding the handling of the residents' displacement, including news that several community members were detained by the police prior to the demolition exercise. Since then, several individuals have been living in tents provided by the Social Security Ministry, while other help has been provided by the Member of Parliament, Tova Hamilton.
Meanwhile, the Opposition People's National Party (PNP) has been calling for a halt to proceedings and for greater support for the residents.
Summary from source