The Jamaican government has initiated urgent restoration efforts at the Westmoreland Infirmary following extensive damage caused by Hurricane Melissa. Desmond McKenzie, Minister of Local Government and Community Development, announced immediate emergency measures during his December 3 inspection of the compromised facility.
Critical assessment revealed substantial structural damage to both male and female wards, along with the specialized building previously accommodating the parish’s homeless population. The hurricane’s impact forced displaced residents into shared accommodations, creating what Minister McKenzie deemed “an unacceptable” living situation.
The restoration strategy employs emergency procurement protocols to accelerate roof repairs on the infirmary’s newest building. Technical teams are evaluating multiple reconstruction approaches, including complete roofing replacement versus partial restoration. Simultaneously, authorities will commence immediate rehabilitation of the dedicated homeless facility to restore proper housing conditions.
Minister McKenzie acknowledged the compound challenges presented by the facility’s structural limitations and scale of destruction. “The structural competence of the facility is something that has to be taken into consideration,” he noted, emphasizing the complexity of restoring aging infrastructure.
Beyond physical repairs, the government is addressing humanitarian concerns for both residents and staff. Several employees suffered personal home losses during the hurricane and have been temporarily sheltering at the infirmary. Administrative and welfare support teams will be deployed on-site to process immediate assistance for affected staff members.
The comprehensive response includes short-term remedial works to improve comfort in the female ward while planning continues for longer-term rehabilitation of the entire facility.