Think of disaster shelters beyond the schools

THE EDITOR, Madam:

The issue of shelters is a particularly vexing one. The president of the Jamaica Teachers’ Association is however correct in presenting a demand letter to the authorities to maintain the safe zone integrity of schools.

This request is supported by two major laws of country governing schools and children. These are the Education Act and the Child protection act.

Both legislations place limitations on the activities held on school premises, as well as zero tolerance of the sharing of facilities specifically for children with adults. It is indeed a violation of privacy and disruptive to learning.

It should be seriously considered that students are preparing for major exit examinations. Many schools already have cramped spaces and compounded loss of learning due to Hurricane Melissa and gaps still gnawing post-COVID 19.

There should be a strong private and public partnership to immediately implement shelters in as many places as possible. Churches and other religious bodies should make this a top priority so that their respective memberships can be protected.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness should play a strategic role in the expansion of health centres, hospitals and infirmaries to provide an alternative accommodation. It is such housing that can provide comprehensive care for refugees.

Also the expenditure needs to be rationalised. There is already round-the-clock security and medical staff in the hospitals, who can be employed to do new shifts to monitor and care for the traumatised victims.

Meals can be provided as well, continuing good health interventions. Support for employment and safe storage of property should also be mandatory.

If these suggestions are looked into and implemented in a phased manner, it will lighten the current burden on schools as disaster shelters.

CATHERINE NEIL