No eviction of Petersfield shelter evacuees, work ongoing on housing solutions – McKenzie

Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie says there is no truth to reports that the Government is moving to evict Hurricane Melissa evacuees from the shelter at Petersfield High in Westmoreland today.

McKenzie described the claims as misleading and mischievous.

He said the Government is fully focused on finding both temporary and permanent housing solutions for those affected.

Some 50 people remain at the shelter, McKenzie noted.

"The Government had indicated that ideally we intend to begin the process of closing the shelter before 2025 ends. However, we have been clear that such closure will only take place when reasonable housing facilities are in place for those who remain in the shelter,” McKenzie said in a statement today.

"What will transpire is that those currently in the shelter at Petersfield High will be asked to relocate to another section of the school compound, which will cause less disruption to the re-opening of school in the new year,” he added.

He emphasised that the Government is not evicting anyone from the shelter who does not have anywhere to go.

“Those reports on social and traditional media are false and untruthful,” he asserted.

McKenzie said the relevant state agencies have been on the ground at Petersfield, working on temporary housing solutions for those still in shelters.

"We are working along with Food For the Poor on an additional temporary housing solution, and land has been located to facilitate this. However, this temporary solution will take some time to materialize. It is also important to note that the long-term plan to provide sustainable housing for those whose homes were demolished and who remain in shelters will be conducted via the New Social Housing Programme.”

The local government minister noted that during a recent visit to Petersfield High, Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness stated that the Government’s actions are guided by the best interests of the residents.

The Prime Minister said that Petersfield High will reopen for school in January, but emphasized that the circumstances of those in the shelter will be treated with sensitivity.

McKenzie also spoke out against those he said are spreading falsehoods about the Government’s response to Hurricane Melissa and other national issues.

"There are some individuals who, for partisan political reasons, are determined to spread lies and fake news about the Government's Hurricane Melissa relief and recovery efforts. The misinformation about the shelter at Petersfield High and our intentions is the latest example. I am calling on these agents of lies and misinformation to cease and desist. Seeking to exploit the plight of the less fortunate to advance a dishonourable agenda is vulgar, despicable, and, quite frankly, a very low act. These individuals must be called out and should be ashamed of themselves.”

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