RELAWNY, Jamaica — Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness says he will move to tighten rules governing security-force involvement in evictions after displaced Cooper’s Pen residents complained about the conduct of police and soldiers during the early-morning demolition of their homes on privately owned land.
Holness said he will take the matter to the National Security Council to establish clear rules for how security forces should operate when supporting evictions.
“What is clear is that the operation, as it was executed, needs policy guidance,” Holness told residents during a tour of the community on Friday.
“That is where I come in as your prime minister, to make sure that subsequent operations are done according to the law, and with respect for your dignity and your rights,” he added.
Holness was responding to complaints from residents that members of the security forces had detained men from the community before the August 11, 2026 demolition which was carried out on a court order.
The action sparked questions about whether the Government knew the operation was going to take place.
