Trelawny Municipal Corporation serves notices to informal settlers in effort to tackle squatting

September 11, 2026

The Trelawny Municipal Corporation has been serving notices to informal settlers of various communities as part of efforts to tackle the issue of squatting. 

Mayor of Falmouth Collen Gager said the exercise has been ramped up in recent weeks because several land owners have reported unauthorized occupation and development of their property.   

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Among the areas he listed as most concentrated by informal settlements are Coopers Pen and Flamingo beach. 

He said approximately 58 acres of one property is populated by squatters while about 11 acres is occupied by squatters on the other.

As it relates to the Flamingo Beach area, the property owner submitted plans for its development to the corporation but is unable to move forward with them due to squatting.  

Mayor Gager further outlined that approximately 90% of Cooper’s Pen is occupied by squatters.  

The situation highlights the need for assessment, monitoring and intervention in order to address land management concerns. 

He noted that some squatters have been making dishonest claims of adverse possession. 

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Mayor Gager said illegal land occupation cannot be allowed to continue as it negatively affects the parish.

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