MINISTER MCKENZIE CONDEMNS SCHOOL ADMINS WHO REFUSE TO OPEN SCHOOLS TO BE USED AS SHELTERS
During a local Press Briefing, prior to Hurricane Melissa making landfall on Tuesday afternoon, Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, expressed displeasure after receiving reports that some schools designated as emergency shelters were closed to Shelterees.
“Earlier on, there were concerns raised about a couple of schools in Clarendon that refused to give access to the facilities that is being used as shelters, and in one case, the Mayor was instructed to take whatever steps, if necessary, to gain access to use the facilities at the school,” said Minister McKenzie
The Minister spoke extensively about the conditions under which schools are used as emergency shelters. He also added that all emergency shelters will remain open until they are no longer required.
“The shelters will remain open for as long as it is necessary for the shelters to operate. No shelter can be closed unless those instructions myself as the minister or from the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management”
During another update on Wednesday morning, following the passage of Hurricane Melissa, he gave a general insight into some of the infrastructural damages that the island suffered, including essential institutions such as Infirmaries, Drop-in Centres, Police Stations, Schools and Hospitals.
The Minister cited that relief systems have been put in place, and since the ‘all clear’ has been given, aid will be deployed to those badly affected by Hurricane Melissa.
Last Tuesday, Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica as a Category 5 system, ripping apart homes and livelihoods on the island before making its way to Cuba.