KINGSTON, Jamaica — Desmond McKenzie, Minister of Local Government and Community Development, has revealed that only 76 out of Jamaica’s 881 national hurricane shelters are currently active, with 972 individuals registered across these facilities. Speaking at a press conference on Monday, McKenzie highlighted regional disparities in shelter usage, noting that four parishes have no occupants, while Clarendon leads with 311 individuals, followed by St Thomas (227) and Kingston and St Andrew (179).
The minister expressed particular concern for parishes such as St Elizabeth, Westmoreland, and St James, where shelter numbers remain alarmingly low. “St Elizabeth has 27, St James has 24, and Westmoreland has 32. These numbers are very low, and I expect them to increase by this afternoon as the storm approaches,” McKenzie stated. Projections suggest that approximately 50,000 individuals may need relocation to safe grounds or shelters.
McKenzie also addressed misinformation circulating about shelters, vehemently denying claims that fees are being charged for their use. “This is nonsense. These are attempts by malicious individuals to create confusion during a critical time. The only requirement for shelter access is to go to the designated centers. Families stay together, and basic necessities like medication, water, and crackers are advised for the initial hours,” he clarified.
The minister acknowledged ongoing challenges in persuading homeless individuals to seek shelter, stating, “I will personally engage with the homeless population to encourage them to move to safety.” He also reminded the public of a mandatory order in effect, warning that non-compliance could result in fines or arrests. “The director of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) has the authority to enforce this order. We hope it doesn’t come to that,” McKenzie concluded.