As Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, looms over Jamaica, the government is intensifying efforts to ensure the safety of its citizens. Desmond McKenzie, Minister of Local Government and Community Development, has reassured the public that the island’s 881 shelters are secure and well-equipped to handle the impending disaster. Addressing concerns raised in media reports, McKenzie emphasized that each shelter is managed by a dedicated team, ensuring safety and hygiene standards are maintained throughout the hurricane. He also highlighted that men and women are housed separately, except for families, and that police patrols will be active before and after the storm. Evacuation orders have been issued for vulnerable coastal areas, including Kingston, St Andrew, St Catherine, Portland, Manchester, and St Elizabeth. McKenzie urged residents to prioritize their safety, emphasizing that recovery from the hurricane is only possible if lives are preserved. He advised those in at-risk areas to secure their homes, gather essential supplies, and relocate to shelters or stay with relatives if possible. The government has provided buses to facilitate transportation to shelters, which McKenzie described as literal sanctuaries from the storm.