Displaced Cooper’s Pen Families Receive Relocation Grants

Families displaced by last month’s demolition of homes at Cooper’s Pen in Trelawny collected Government relocation grants on Saturday (September 19), coinciding with the planned departure of the first group of residents from the temporary tents where they had been sheltered.

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development with responsibility for Land Titling and Settlements, Hon. Robert Montague, and Permanent Secretary, Arlene Williams, oversaw the handover.

Mr. Montague said the grants honour a commitment made by Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, during his visit to the community.

Residents lined up to have their documents verified before collecting their cheques, following confirmation of their information by Ministry officials.

Representatives of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA), HEART/NSTA Trust and National Housing Trust (NHT) were also on site to provide services and support to residents.

“The process does not end today (Saturday). We never got here overnight but, as Jamaicans, we’re going to work together,” Mr. Montague stated.

He advised that Scotiabank has agreed to cash the cheques over the next three business days, allowing residents without bank accounts to access the funds beginning Monday, September 21.

Minister Montague urged beneficiaries to use the money wisely, noting that it comes from taxpayers.

Meanwhile, Mrs. Williams noted that although the property is privately owned, the Government has stepped in to assist affected residents.

She said 19 families whose homes were demolished and who had been living in temporary tents were selected to receive immediate relocation and resettlement assistance.

The Permanent Secretary added that the remaining residents have until November 30 to vacate the property, in accordance with a deadline set by the property owners’ attorney.

“You have to work with us because today, what we are doing, as would have been discussed with you before, the Prime Minister had promised some amount of relocation and resettlement grants,” Mrs. Williams explained.

The Ministry has also identified land in nearby Hague for subdivision to provide a longer-term option for residents.

Mrs. Williams indicated that eligible residents would have an opportunity to acquire lots, with further discussions to determine the arrangements.

The Ministry has also identified land in nearby Hague for subdivision as a long-term resettlement option, with eligible residents expected to have an opportunity to acquire lots under arrangements to be determined through further discussions.

She said officials will return as early as next week, accompanied by the Social Development Commission (SDC) and other agencies, to collect additional information and determine the support required based on each household’s circumstances.

Mrs. Williams noted that the JDF has established a temporary site nearby, providing a two-week reprieve for residents who are unable to relocate immediately.

Meanwhile, beneficiary, Shawn Ricketts, expressed deep gratitude for the Government’s assistance, noting that the initial grant will help his family relocate.

The funding will allow the family to secure temporary accommodation for several months while the Government prepares land that has been promised to affected residents and is expected to be available by December.

Mr. Ricketts said his family is already packing up and preparing to relocate, noting that the support provides an opportunity to start over in a safer, more stable environment.

“The Government came through with one thing already. So, we believe they are going to come through with more, and we highly appreciate whatever the Government [provides],” he further stated.