Seeing families displaced, including a mother and her newborn in Cooper’s Pen, Trelawny, is deeply concerning. My heart goes out to everyone affected.

As soon as I was informed, we mobilised support through ODPEM and the Ministry of Labour and Social Security to assist the families.

At the same time, I want to be clear. I do not support squatting or the illegal occupation of land. Government must follow the law, and when we build homes for Jamaicans, the land must be properly secured.

But this situation points to a bigger issue. Too many Jamaicans still struggle to access secure land and affordable housing.

We have to address that. We need to make more land and housing available, regularise communities where possible and create more opportunities for families to have a safe place they can call home.

That is the work your Government is committed to doing, in a way that is fair, lawful and sustainable.