The Jamaican government is initiating a strategic reassessment of its social care infrastructure following the devastation wrought by Category 5 Hurricane Melissa, with particular focus on relocating infirmaries from flood-prone zones. These facilities, which provide essential care for destitute and vulnerable citizens lacking familial or financial support, suffered significant structural damage during the October 28 storm.
Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie, after conducting extensive facility assessments, identified multiple institutions requiring urgent intervention. The St. Ann Infirmary, situated perilously close to the coastline, has been flagged for potential relocation despite sustaining minimal damage. Meanwhile, authorities have secured safer ground for the Trelawny Infirmary in Falmouth, where the complete destruction of facilities has left residents without adequate accommodation.
Minister McKenzie revealed immediate measures including the deployment of four retrofitted containers to serve as temporary housing for Trelawny’s indigent population. “Within another four weeks I am hoping that we will be able to complete the process,” McKenzie stated during cleanup operations at Santa Cruz Infirmary, emphasizing the urgency to provide proper housing before Christmas celebrations.
The catastrophic event has underscored systemic vulnerabilities in Jamaica’s elder care infrastructure. Minister McKenzie acknowledged that approximately 90% of the nation’s infirmaries exceed century-old construction, necessitating comprehensive modernization. “Time has come to replace some of these buildings and put up new structures that will be able to cope,” he declared.
Beyond structural concerns, the hurricane exposed critical operational challenges. Emergency relocations during Melissa highlighted the impossibility of moving vulnerable residents during active storms, prompting policy revisions regarding early evacuation protocols. Minister McKenzie confirmed that advance evacuation instructions issued three days prior to landfall potentially saved numerous lives.
The human dimension of the disaster emerged through accounts of extraordinary staff dedication at Santa Cruz Infirmary, where caregivers waded through waist-high waters to evacuate residents. Matron Bianca Mitchell-Smith’s emotional response during the minister’s visit highlighted the traumatic experiences endured by both caregivers and residents.
Looking forward, Minister McKenzie is assembling expert teams to develop flood mitigation strategies for facilities like Santa Cruz Infirmary, located near the Upper Black River Morass. The government plans to collaborate with municipal corporations to enhance technical assessment capabilities and prioritize infrastructure upgrades that address both immediate needs and long-term climate resilience.