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Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness has announced that the Government will provide a relocation grant, to persons who lost their homes in a demolition exercise in Cooper’s Pen, Trelawny.

He said individuals can use the funds to support rebuilding efforts and purchase household items.

Dr. Holness was responding to residents’ calls for compensation for items lost during the demolition, including furniture.

The Prime Minister emphasised that government cannot use tax payers funds to unilaterally provide them with redress, or actions carried out by private individuals.

The Prime Minister stated that there is a legal difference between a relocation grant and the government providing formal redress for damage.

This, as the government cannot be liable for damage caused during legal matters, it is not involved in.

Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness noted that lands being sought for displaced residents of Cooper’s Pen in Trelawny will not be free.

The Government is exploring options for relocating the affected residents, to include lands nearby.

Dr Holness said the lots will be provided through various options such as lease arrangements.

Dr Holness urged the residents to pay their utility bills when the new lots are developed.

He said the incident in Cooper’s Pen must serve as a watershed moment in the country as it relates to the issue of squatting.

Dr Holness was speaking to residents during a recent tour of the community.

The Transport Operators Development and Sustainable Services (TODSS), has welcomed the decision of the government to delay implementation of the traffic ticket demerit points system.

The system was initially set to take effect on October 1.

Motorists, especially taxi operators, raised concern about the system and called for it to be reviewed.

Some public passenger vehicle operators submitted recommendations to the transport ministry for consideration.

Yesterday, the public transport operators steering committee and transport stakeholders convened a meeting to discuss the matter.

The Transport Authority subsequently issued a statement indicating that the implementation date will not come into effect until a full revision of the demerit points system is completed.

TODSS President Egeton Newman lauded the consultation as timely, comprehensive and informative, noting that it provided the sector with a clear understanding of the processes involved in implementing the road traffic act.

Mr. Newman underscored his appreciation that the process would not be completed overnight and, in light of this, assured the public that any plans for a shut down of the sector are off the table.

He said commuters can therefore look forward to a smooth re-opening of schools for the new academic year, next month.

He further stated that the sector is pledging its continued support to the government and the people of Jamaica, with a commitment to providing a safe, secure and reliable transportation system, while the review process continues.

The public transport operators steering committee continues to work assiduously to complete the review process and submit its final recommendations to the minister for consideration.

While the transport ministry remains committed to working collaboratively with transport stakeholders to promote a safer, more orderly and efficient public transportation system.

Scores of relatives, friends, community members and politicians turned up today to bid farewell to 10 year old Shani Coke of Troy, Trelawny.

The young girl was sexually assaulted and killed, last month.

The man accused of the attack, Delroy Coke, was set upon by angry residents and killed.

There was a sombre mood at the Troy primary school grounds, where the service was held today, as attendees paid tribute to a child whose life was cut short in a tragic manner.

Member of parliament for southern Trelawny, Marissa Dalrymple Philibert, urged residents to do more to protect children.

Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness says he is contemplating whether or not to use emergency powers to address matters relating to the resettlement of residents of Cooper’s Pen in Trelawny.

About 40 families were affected by the demolition of their homes earlier this month, stemming from an extensive court battle between themselves and the property owner.

Dr. Holness, who has portfolio responsibility for housing, told residents during a visit to the area yesterday that he intends to oversee their relocation.

The displaced residents currently live in tents.

He hopes the relocation efforts will begin by year-end.

However, he noted that certain factors may contribute to a delay in the process, such as the weather.

Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness has chastised persons he claims recently relocated to Cooper’s Pen, in Trelawny, with an intention to deceive the Government and benefit from support initiatives.

Dr Holness made the comment today while visiting Coopers Pen, and meeting affected residents, following the demolition exercise earlier this month.

The Government plans to find alternative lands to relocate the residents, while assisting them to become legitimate property owners.

Dr Holness says his administration will not allow anyone to prevent affected residents from getting assistance.

Dr Holness said his administration does not condone the ‘ chop di line ‘ and scamming culture.

He added that Minister with Responsibility for Land, Robert Montague has been tasked with reviewing the situation in Cooper’s Pen.

This review is part of a wider aim of developing a policy for regularising and relocating squatter settlements island-wide.

As it relates to efforts to relocate the Coopers Pen residents, Dr Holness noted that assessments and identification of beneficiaries, are being conducted by the Social Development Commission (SDC) and the Social Security Ministry.

Dr Holness noted that the Government’s resources are limited.

Dr Holness visited the community this morning, following a demolition exercise earlier this month that affected 40 families.

In a statement, Spokesperson on Land, Lothan Cousins said after weeks of uncertainty, the Opposition is happy that their strident advocacy has borne fruit.

Cousins said the Opposition is looking forward to a speedy resolution of the matter in favour of the residents.

Mr Cousins is also urging the Government to provide timelines on the commitments made.

Students who turn up at school in breach of grooming or uniform rules must still be allowed through the school gates.

That’s according to Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Education, Senator Marlon Morgan.

He said disciplinary measures should be administered inside the institution rather than by denying children access to classes.

He reinforced the Government’s position yesterday while addressing the Ministry’s Region 4 Back-to-School Conference for principals at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St. James.

Reggae veteran Barrington Levy is calling for a return to the era of vinyl records, as he voices concerns about the economics of music in today’s streaming driven landscape.

Barrington Levy shared his views during an interview with UK based platform Nobody Is Really Watching at the WOMAD Festival, where he reflected on the value of physical music releases.

His comments come at a time when an increasing number of artistes have been questioning the financial returns from streaming, with many arguing that the “math is not adding up”.

For Barrington Levy, a return to physical formats such as vinyl could provide a different approach to how music is valued, purchased and consumed.

The discussion also highlights the broader conversation within the music industry about fair compensation for artistes and the challenges of earning sustainable income in an era where streaming has become the dominant way audiences access music.

Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness told residents of Coopers Pen, Trelawny that he has no power to keep them on that property.

He made the statement during a visit to the area this morning.

According to the Prime Minister, the conversation should be focused on what alternatives can be presented to residents, to assist them to transition to legal occupation of land.

He said his aim is to create a resolution to the issue.