Jamaicans on Twitter have expressed mixed reactions to today’s (October 6) demolition of illegal settlements at Bernard Lodge in St Catherine.

Making a statement in Parliament yesterday, Prime Minister Andrew Holness announced that the Government would demolish illegal settlements in the Bernard Lodge community.

“The National Security Council, in reviewing the development plan, has observed an insidious and growing threat in the area, where alleged gangsters were capturing lands in the area adjoining the Clifton community, creating their own informal subdivision, and selling the lands under the false pretext of ownership or building on it themselves,” said Holness.

Approximately 30 illegal structures were identified and the demolition process is taking place under the supervision of a joint police-military team.

Our Today understands that not all the structures will be demolished.

Operators of the demolition process have been notified that structures that are occupied or close to completion should be spared.

Holness noted that several notices were given to these citizens to cease and desist, but construction continued.

“Aside from the technical and security issues it poses, all of Jamaica must acknowledge that this is just wrong. The Government of Jamaica, therefore, will make a stand and ensure that this does not continue,” he said.

While the demolition process was taking place, Jamaicans on Twitter began to share their thoughts on the Government’s actions.

The very sad truth is that the society does not properly invest knowledge in its people. Knowledge that actually counts for adulthood. We learn about Pythagoras theorem but not a word about securing a proper retirement fund, nothing about purchasing land or securing other assets.

— Jobs, News & Views Jamaica (@JobsPostingsJm) October 6, 2022

Look at the people who began building their houses on the fringe land at Clifton, Bernard Lodge. The capacity to save is strong. My heart broke as I listened to Mr Williams describe how he started building a house for himself & his girlfriend. Block by block. It’s now rubble. /4

— Peta-Anne Baker (@PA13Baker) October 6, 2022

Organized crime often resembles many formal institutions. Many leave school not prepared to manage their own affairs beyond surviving each day. As such they become victims of organized crime. I feel it for the children and youth.

— Andre’ Miller (@AndreMillerJa) October 6, 2022

We could talk about how capitalism will always screw over people like that woman in the video from Bernard Lodge demolitions. Heck, we could talk about the specific history of how Black people were denied access to and ownership of land. Nah! Let’s just talk down to the poors.

— Kenyatta Powell (a great beneficiaries of crime) (@kenyatta_pow) October 6, 2022

In the real world when buying property there’s a process and procedure. If it sounds too good too easy.. walk away. People need to screw their heads on. Everyone knows we’re targeted by scamming. So can’t feel too sorry when you don’t do the necessaries to protect yourself.

— G Campbell (@campbell_ig) October 6, 2022

All this is because of who wants the land to do their development. Plan and simple, it is really sad, not condoning squatting but a meeting could have been held and warning given.

— Kevin James (@KevinJaOfficial) October 6, 2022