KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Government is moving to implement potential long-term solutions to the humanitarian crisis in Cooper’s Pen, Trelawny, following the demolition of homes belonging to scores of residents who were evicted from the property.

According to a news release, State Minister Senator Abka Fitz-Henley says relevant state agencies have been mandated to move with intent to implement potential long-term solutions outlined by Prime Minister Andrew Holness to scores of residents affected by the demolition exercise.

The residents were evicted after the private owners of a company which owns the property obtained a Court order, following affirmation of their legal ownership rights by both the Supreme and Appeal Courts.

“Following the prime minister’s visit and outline of potential solutions to the plight of the people, the relevant agencies of the state are fully activated towards implementing the measures outlined, which are intended to help create a lawful dwelling situation which restores dignity and convenience to people affected”, Fitz-Henley commented.

Prime Minister Holness, accompanied by Member of Parliament for Trelawny Northern, Tova Hamilton, Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett and Fitz-Henley, visited Cooper’s Pen on Friday.

The prime minister indicated that his Government had been reviewing potential solutions to the humanitarian crisis.

Holness disclosed that the Government will give the residents a chance at lawful land ownership by moving them to nearby land and also mentioned the possibility of relocation to another piece of land should the nearby space not be able to accommodate all those affected.

Fitz-Henley said it was good that the prime minister was also clear that the Government will not endorse unlawful occupation of property.

Fitz-Henley said the prime mMinister’s visit to Cooper’s Pen was productive.

“The prime minister was able to listen and offer empathy and potential solutions, while also making it clear that his administration does not endorse the act of trespassing on property. There is a body of public opinion that the state has no business addressing a situation which occurred following a dispute involving a private developer and residents. However, while affirming that we do not support unlawful occupation, a conscientious Government cannot ignore the plight of scores of Jamaicans who have been rendered without shelter, having had their houses demolished arising from the private dispute. We must at minimum explore potential solutions when a humanitarian crisis arises”, Fitz-Henley reasoned.

Fitz-Henley said the prime minister’s conversation with residents who indicated that they felt violated by the presence of police which supported the eviction process was important.

“The prime minister noted that in private disputes where Court orders have been obtained, it is not improper for the police to provide support to ensure peace prevails. However, Holness also underscored that, generally speaking, it must be understood that citizens’ rights are to be respected and the police are not above the law, and legal compliance is required of the security forces.

Holness also indicated that the National Security Council will discuss in the coming weeks a policy-oriented protocol to guide instances when requests are made of the security forces to assist in major demolition exercises which may impact the citizenry in a substantive way”,  said Fitz-Henley.