Scores displaced as several homes demolished in Coopers Pen, Trelawny

Several residents of the Coopers Pen community in Trelawny lost their homes on Tuesday as their dwellings were demolished.

Residents say that about 3:00 a.m., they woke up to workmen using heavy-duty equipment to demolish homes in the area.

The Gleaner was unable to ascertain who was behind the exercise.

There was a strong police presence during the operation.

Residents told The Gleaner that they have been living on the land for decades and that there has been a longstanding court case with an individual who they say claimed that he owns the land.

According to them, in 2019, there was an agreement with the individual to sell them nine acres of the land.

They further claim that nothing was said to them after that time.

The residents expressed shock and surprise at today's action, saying that they did not receive any notice to vacate.

They reported that, of the entire community, some 25 homes were demolished today, leaving scores of persons displaced.

Affected residents were seen gathering their belongings as they contemplated their next move.

The residents are calling for the intervention of the relevant authorities.

- Leon Jackson

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