KINGSTON, Jamaica—The Ministry of Labour and Social Security says it is providing support to families affected by the demolition of homes in Coopers Pen, Trelawny, on Tuesday, August 11, 2026.

The ministry in a press release on Wednesday said following reports of the incident, social workers from its Trelawny Parish Office visited the community to conduct a preliminary assessment of affected households and identify immediate welfare needs. It said based on the preliminary assessment, approximately 40 families have been affected, including households with children, senior citizens, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable individuals.

“Consistent with its social protection mandate, the Ministry mobilised additional support and, working alongside the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) and other stakeholders, returned to the community to provide immediate humanitarian assistance to affected residents. The team worked beyond midnight to ensure that vulnerable residents were assessed and supported,” the ministry said.