McKenzie and MP Vaz clash over housing relocation for hurricane victims

A public dispute has intensified between Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie and Westmoreland Central Member of Parliament Dwayne Vaz over housing promised to families displaced by Hurricane Melissa. Westmoreland was among the hard-hit parishes. 

McKenzie, in a press release issued Friday, strongly rejected claims attributed to Vaz that delays in relocating families amounted to “incompetence” by the ministry.

He described the comments as “political opportunism” and said the Government remained committed to completing the relocation and housing programme for affected families.

“The Member of Parliament for Central Westmoreland is a man driven by convenience and opportunism, instead of care and concern for his constituents,” McKenzie said in the statement.

He insisted that the Government had already met its previously announced May 8 deadline to relocate all persons from school shelters, though he acknowledged that a small number of families at Petersfield were still being transitioned.

McKenzie also questioned issues surrounding project execution and municipal involvement, while defending the Government’s broader recovery efforts and temporary housing arrangements.

“We will not be distracted by commentary from the Member of Parliament,” he said, adding that the administration remained focused on delivering on its commitments.

However, Vaz rejected suggestions that his concerns were political, saying his focus remained on the welfare of displaced families still awaiting permanent housing.

“I am not engaging in any quarrel with Minister McKenzie. My concern is with the people who were promised homes and are still waiting,” Vaz said in a statement Monday.

He argued that the Government’s housing timeline had not been met on the ground, citing what he said were early-stage works at the development site and the absence of completed housing units and basic infrastructure.

“These are not political claims. These are conditions that currently exist on the ground and can be verified by anyone who visits the location,” Vaz said.

The MP also raised concerns about the condition of temporary accommodation provided to some displaced families, describing reports of unsanitary conditions and inadequate preparation for occupancy.

He further pushed back against suggestions involving constituency-level responsibility for support programmes, stating that such initiatives fall under central government ministries.

“This should not become a PNP versus JLP issue. The focus must remain on the commitments made to the people,” Vaz said, referring to is Opposition People's National Party and the McKenzie's ruling Jamaica Labour Party. 

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