In downtown Kingston, Jamaica, a meeting between homeless individuals and local government officials on Wednesday revealed deep-seated resistance to plans aimed at relocating them from Justice Square to shelters. The gathering, held at Marie Atkins Night Shelter on Hanover Street, saw only two individuals express willingness to move permanently, while the majority remained silent or voiced grievances about the shelter’s conditions. Complaints ranged from inadequate food and restrictive policies to alleged verbal abuse by staff. One man recounted, ‘When yuh get di food dem tell wi seh wi haffi leave out,’ while a woman claimed shelter staff often turned them away during rainstorms. Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie acknowledged the issues, promising to address specific complaints, including the removal of a problematic staff member. However, he also urged the homeless to cooperate, emphasizing the dangers of living on the streets, such as past incidents of violence. McKenzie stressed the need for mutual effort to resolve the situation, warning that indiscipline would not be tolerated. Meanwhile, some shelter residents expressed concerns about newcomers disrupting the facility’s cleanliness and order. The relocation initiative follows repeated calls from citizens and the judiciary, particularly after a recent fire at the court building allegedly caused by a homeless individual. Justice Paulette Williams highlighted the urgency of addressing the issue to prevent further incidents. Despite the challenges, McKenzie and Kingston Mayor Andrew Swaby remain committed to finding solutions, though the homeless population’s reluctance underscores the complexity of the problem.