Coopers Pen demolitions under probe

By Kimone Witter  

 

 

Member of Parliament for Trelawny Northern, Tova Hamilton, says an investigation has been launched into Tuesday's eviction of residents of Coopers Pen, without notice, on behalf of private landowner, New Falmouth Resorts.

 

In a post on Facebook on Wednesday, Ms. Hamilton said she will be seeking to, among other things, determine who authorised the exercise - which has led to a humanitarian crisis - and whether the proper legal channels were followed.

 

She disclosed that the Superintendent of Police in charge of Trelawny informed her that court documents were shown to the police and their assistance sought in carrying out the demolition of homes. 

 

"Based on the Certificate of Title obtained from the National Land Agency's website, the property is registered to New Falmouth Resorts Limited. It is therefore understood that yesterday's operation was undertaken on behalf of that private land owner. Now, I also want to be very responsible in what I say. I do not condone informal occupation of land. I have never done so. The people of Wakefield know the position I have consistently taken because I believe communities must be developed in an orderly and lawful manner. Land ownership matters, property rights matter and the rule of law matters. But here is where I draw the line. The rule of law and basic humanity are not enemies," she contended.

 

Ms. Hamilton said the residents of Coopers Pen were stripped of their dignity and should have been afforded an opportunity to leave the property.

 

"There was a better way to do this," she argued. "If possession of the property was legally to be recovered, then people could have been afforded reasonable notice and a meaningful opportunity to remove themselves and their belongings. That would not have changed who owned the land. It would simply have demonstrated compassion, decency and humanity."

 

The MP said several questions must be answered. 

 

"And that is why I'm anxious to know who determined that this was an appropriate way to carry out this eviction. Who authorised the manner in which this operation was executed? What instructions were given? And what safeguards were put in place for children, elderly, mothers, families and people's personal belongings? These are legitimate questions and the people of Coopers Pen deserve answers."

 

Several government agencies have been deployed to assess the needs of the approximately 40 affected families and provide immediate assistance.