A contentious political dispute has emerged in Jamaica regarding the future of hurricane-displaced families currently sheltering at Petersfield High School, just days before students are scheduled to return for the new academic term.
The conflict pits opposition parliamentarian Dwayne Vaz against Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie, with both officials presenting starkly different narratives about the government’s intentions toward more than 50 families who have been residing at the educational facility since Hurricane Melissa devastated the region on October 28.
Vaz, the Member of Parliament for Westmoreland Central, has raised urgent concerns about what he characterizes as the government’s inadequate planning for vulnerable residents. He maintains that despite previous ministerial commitments guaranteeing no family would be left without accommodation, many shelter residents have received no confirmation of alternative housing arrangements. The opposition legislator emphasized that the shelter population includes minors and other vulnerable individuals who require protected status, noting that no formal eviction authorization has been presented through judicial channels.
In a swift and forceful response, Minister McKenzie categorically denied allegations of planned evictions, labeling them as ‘misinformation’ and ‘fake news.’ The minister outlined a detailed transition plan that would relocate current shelter residents to a different section of the school compound to minimize educational disruption while maintaining shelter provisions. McKenzie emphasized that the government’s primary focus remains developing both temporary and permanent housing solutions through coordinated efforts with humanitarian organizations.
The government’s current strategy involves collaboration with Food For the Poor to establish temporary housing on identified land parcels, though officials acknowledge this solution will require additional time to implement. For long-term housing needs, the administration plans to utilize the New Social Housing Programme to provide sustainable accommodation for those who lost their homes during the hurricane.
Minister McKenzie concluded with a sharp condemnation of opposition critics, accusing them of exploiting vulnerable populations for political gain and engaging in what he described as ‘vulgar’ and ‘despicable’ misinformation tactics.