KINGSTON, Jamaica – Prime Minister Andrew Holness says the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA) and the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) have been asked to conduct a probe into the illegal sale of land in the Greater Bernard Lodge development area, allegedly by the notorious Klansman gang.

It was on those lands, in proximity to Clifton, an informal community that is being regularised, that 10 incomplete structures were demolished last Thursday, following a warning by Holness in the House of Representatives.

Among those affected by the demolition were members of the security forces and civil servants.

Following criticisms and complaints from some of the affected people that they were not given notice to quit and a statement from the Opposition People’s National Party that it will be providing legal support for the affected parties, Holness returned to the Parliament on Tuesday, where he sought to set the record straight while offering more details.

Holness told the House that notices were placed in the area and two meetings were held with the affected individuals by the land owner, SCJ Holdings Limited.

“I could not say whether or not that was with persons from Clifton or persons from the other side (those whose unfinished buildings were torn down),” said Holness.

“What is important is that all of this has to be investigated and I have asked MOCA and the JCF to investigate this thing entirely because I want to know if there is any government official culpable or complicit,” the Prime Minister added.

“I’m very reluctant in giving these kinds of specific details especially when they’re going to be investigated. It’s not our job to investigate it in Parliament, we debate the issue but we don’t investigate it here. There are some issues that I really can’t go into too much detail about,” Holness said.