PNP demands government address shelter needs of Petersfield residents affected by Melissa
/ Our Today
administrator
The Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) is demanding that the Government put in place effective measures to deal with the shelter needs of residents who have been affected by Hurricane Melissa in Petersfield, Westmoreland.
According to the Opposition Spokesman on Housing and Sustainable Living, Professor Senator Floyd Morris, “The Government must provide reasonable options to assist the 185 residents who are staying at the shelter at Petersfield High School in Westmoreland.”
The Government has signalled to the residents that they have until the end of December to find accommodations because the school is needed. However, Professor Floyd Morris, said: “Whilst I know that the school cannot be a permanent fix for the residents, the Government is obligated to provide reasonable support for these residents who have been left homeless due to Hurricane Melissa.”
Professor Floyd Morris is expressing disgust at the suggestion by the Government to have the people move under a tent to be pitched on the playfield at the school some two months after the hurricane. “This is inhumane and an affront to the dignity of the residents.”
Professor Floyd Morris lamented: “Simply telling the residents that they must find family members or get somewhere to rent cannot cut it either. The government has a duty of care for the people, after a natural disaster. A caring government does not abandon the people who are in distress.”
According to Professor Floyd Morris: “The Government must adopt a three-pronged approach to this situation: First, it should establish an immediate holding area for the residents to stay until their shelter needs are properly sorted out. Second, those whose homes can be repaired, the Government should provide them with the materials to execute such repairs, with support from the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF). And third, those who do not have any form of shelter, the Government should provide a more sustainable solution for them.”
Professor Floyd Morris opined: “Hurricane Melissa was a disaster that came and ravaged the lives of these residents. They never knew that within 30 minutes of wind and rain, their lives would be plunged into a hellish situation. Therefore, a caring government must be empathetic and do everything to cater to the needs of these residents whose futures are hanging in the balance.
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