“We are hard-working people”, says man detained prior to demolition of his house in Cooper’s Pen, Trelawny

August 14, 2026

“We are hard-working people.”

That is the declaration of one of the men detained prior to the demolition of his house in Cooper’s Pen, Trelawny, on Tuesday.

Jazaine McKnight is among over 30 men who intend to file a lawsuit against the State for false imprisonment and breach of constitutional rights, stemming from the incident.

Speaking with IRIE FM News today, Mr. McKnight explains that his house was demolished while he was being held at the Falmouth police station.

He says the police also confiscated their mobile phones and refused to say why they were being detained.

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Mr. McKnight indicates that he was unable to save anything, as he lost items, including washing machine, stove, food and jewellery.

He says the demolition has affected him negatively.

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Mr. McKnight says he has been living in the community for 13 years.

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He is insisting that if he and other residents had prior notice to vacate the lands, they would have moved.

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Mr. McKnight is pleading with the relevant authorities to assist him and other residents.

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