Plans underway to relocate residents of Coopers Pen, Trelawny

By Nakinskie Robinson 

 

 

The Government says it would consider a financial grant to support relocation efforts for the residents of Coopers Pen in Trelawny. 

 

The stakeholders are working to relocate approximately 100 households ahead of a November 30 deadline set by the property owners. This follows the August 11 demolition exercise, which affected at least 20 households. 

 

Lands have been identified near Coopers Pen and will be made available for purchase by persons relocating. 

 

The Government says the relocation grant amounts fall within a fixed range, are determined case-by-case, and are offered on three bases. 

 

The Independent Relocation grant - the largest - is for households that do not require transitional shelter and are able to relocate immediately on their own to properties for which they can demonstrate ownership or permission to occupy. 

 

The Partially Assisted Relocation grant would cover households that independently secure their transitional arrangements but require access to land provided by the Government. 

 

Meanwhile, the Relocation of Vulnerable Households category captures households with demonstrably vulnerable members. These include elderly people and those with impairments who require government-managed transitional arrangements and eventual access to government-provided lands.

 

The grants will be available immediately upon relocation and submission of proof of legal alternative settlement arrangements for the larger grant. 

 

Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness, who is Infrastructure Development Minister, says, while efforts are focused on relocating under the best circumstances, the law must be maintained.

 

"It must also ensure respect for the rule of law, the frugal use of taxpayers' funds, the equitable development of policies to be applied in similar circumstances and the protection of property rights. By achieving the right balance among these factors, we will secure a fair and a sustainable outcome for the people of Coopers Pen and create a template that addresses the broader historical social injustices associated with land settlement. I have directed the ministry to engage the residents, and several meetings have been held with the approximately 100 affected households in Coopers Pen. We have listened to their valid concerns and, where possible, taken onboard reasonable suggestions," Dr. Holness asserted.

 

Nineteen households have already been relocated at a cost of approximately $10 million. 

 

A decanting site has been prepared to temporarily accommodate a small number of vulnerable persons in extreme emergency situations, who do not have immediate alternative accommodation.