PM Holness Dismisses Claims of No Relocation Order

Prime Minister (PM) Andrew Holness is dismissing claims that the squatters who were building structures on the outskirts of Clifton, St. Catherine were not warned, or given last-minute notices.

The PM outlines in Parliament that there were several warnings issued and even a meeting held months before the demolition.

The squatters remain adamant they received neither warning nor orders to move. Dismissing those claims in Parliament on Tuesday, Prime Minister Andrew Holness says several notices and directives were given to the occupants, all of which were ignored, consequently resulting in demolition.

Prime Minister Holness says meetings were also held with the squatters to inform and advise them of their need to relocate. He says residents did not adhere to the warnings. He notes the member of parliament for St. Catherine Southern Fitz Jackson instructed the SCJ to take the necessary actions to halt the expansion and remove the illegal structures.

Meanwhile, the PM says SCJ staff were fearful to act due to criminal elements also occupying the lands.

Reporter: Velonique Bowen