TRELAWNY, Jamaica, September 20, 2026 — Families displaced by the demolition of homes at Cooper’s Pen in Trelawny have begun receiving government relocation grants as authorities move ahead with plans to resettle affected households.
The grants were distributed on Saturday, September 19, as the first group of residents prepared to leave temporary tents established following the demolition of homes in the community last month.
Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development with responsibility for Land Titling and Settlements, Robert Montague, and Permanent Secretary Arlene Williams oversaw the distribution.
Montague said the assistance fulfils a commitment made by Prime Minister Andrew Holness during an earlier visit to Cooper’s Pen.
Residents had their documents verified by ministry officials before receiving their cheques.
Representatives from the Jamaica Defence Force, Jamaica Constabulary Force, National Identification and Registration Authority, HEART/NSTA Trust and National Housing Trust were also present to provide additional services and support.
Montague said the relocation programme would continue beyond Saturday’s distribution.
“The process does not end today. We never got here overnight but, as Jamaicans, we’re going to work together,” he said.
He said Scotiabank had agreed to cash the cheques during the following three business days, allowing beneficiaries without bank accounts to access the funds from Monday, September 21.
Montague also urged recipients to manage the grants responsibly, noting that the assistance is being financed with public funds.
Williams said the Government intervened to assist displaced residents despite the Cooper’s Pen property being privately owned.
She said 19 families whose homes were demolished and who had been staying in temporary tents were selected for immediate relocation and resettlement support.
Other residents have been given until November 30 to leave the property, in keeping with a deadline communicated by the landowners’ attorney.
Williams said the financial assistance formed part of the Government’s previously announced commitment to support residents through the transition.
Authorities have also identified land at nearby Hague that could form part of a longer-term resettlement programme.
According to Williams, the land is expected to be subdivided, with eligible Cooper’s Pen residents given an opportunity to acquire lots. Details of the proposed arrangements are expected to be determined through further discussions with the affected households.
Government officials are expected to return to the community as early as next week, accompanied by representatives from the Social Development Commission and other agencies.
The teams will gather additional information from residents to determine the level and type of assistance required by individual households.
The Jamaica Defence Force has also established a temporary site nearby, providing approximately two additional weeks of accommodation for residents unable to relocate immediately.
Among those receiving assistance was Cooper’s Pen resident Shawn Ricketts, who said the grant would help his family secure temporary accommodation while longer-term arrangements are being developed.
Ricketts said his family had begun packing and preparing to move, describing the assistance as an important step towards rebuilding their lives in more secure surroundings.
He said the family hoped the Government would follow through on plans to make land available to affected residents, which officials indicated could be ready by December.
“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,” Ricketts said.
The relocation programme follows the demolition of several homes at Cooper’s Pen in August, which displaced dozens of residents and prompted a coordinated response from government agencies.
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