The Ministry of Labour and Social Security said it is providing support to families affected by the demolition of homes in Coopers Pen, Trelawny, on Tuesday.

Following reports of the incident, social workers from the ministry’s Trelawny parish office visited the community to conduct a preliminary assessment of affected households and identify immediate welfare needs. Based on the preliminary assessment, the ministry said that 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 said it mobilised additional support and, working alongside the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management and other stakeholders, returned to the community to provide immediate humanitarian assistance to affected residents. Assistance distributed included food supplies, bottled water, toiletries, buckets, temporary shelter supplies, tents and lighting equipment.