August 28, 2026
PM Holness chastises people he claims recently relocated to Cooper’s Pen with an intention to deceive Gov’t and benefit from support initiatives
Written bySugar Ray Thomas
Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness has chastised persons he claims recently relocated to Cooper’s Pen, in Trelawny, with an intention to deceive the Government and benefit from support initiatives.
Dr Holness made the comment today while visiting Coopers Pen, and meeting affected residents, following the demolition exercise earlier this month.
The Government plans to find alternative lands to relocate the residents, while assisting them to become legitimate property owners.
Dr Holness says his administration will not allow anyone to prevent affected residents from getting assistance.
Dr Holness said his administration does not condone the ‘ chop di line ‘ and scamming culture.
He added that Minister with Responsibility for Land, Robert Montague has been tasked with reviewing the situation in Cooper’s Pen.
This review is part of a wider aim of developing a policy for regularising and relocating squatter settlements island-wide.
As it relates to efforts to relocate the Coopers Pen residents, Dr Holness noted that assessments and identification of beneficiaries, are being conducted by the Social Development Commission (SDC) and the Social Security Ministry.
Dr Holness noted that the Government’s resources are limited.
