Twenty ‘Melissa’ victims still in Hanover shelters

Western Bureau:

It has been more than three months since Hurricane Melissa devastated western Jamaica, but the impact is still being felt in the region with some families in Hanover, whose homes were destroyed, still being housed in shelters.

Speaking at Thursday’s monthly meeting of the Hanover Municipal Corporation (HMC), Lucea Deputy Mayor Andria Dehaney-Grant said approximately 20 persons were still occupying shelters across the parish as they have no homes to return to because of the impact of the hurricane.

“There are three shelters that remain active in the parish, one official shelter at the Askenish Primary School, and two unofficial shelters, one at Castle Hyde Community Centre, and the other at Mount Ebenezer Church of the Nazarene,” she said.

“The HMC, in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government, has fast tracked repairs to a section of the Hanover Infirmary building to create additional space to house the persons who are presently in shelter in the Askenish Primary School. However, information is that those individuals would rather have their homes restored so that they can return home.”

Dehaney-Grant also informed the meeting that the Ministry of Local Government has approved funding to repair the roof of the Castle Hyde Community Centre, which was damaged by the hurricane, but is still sheltering affected persons.

Speaking with The Gleaner after the meeting, Dehaney-Grant said the 20 persons still in shelters include men, women and children.

IN NEED OF ASSISTANCE

“Five are at the school, seven in the community centre and eight at the church, and they are all in need of assistance to improve their living conditions,” she stated.

While arguing that the effect of the hurricane continues to linger across the parish, Dehaney-Grant acknowledged that recovery is not a single event, but a process, which requires patience, coordination, determination and consistent leadership.

“We must therefore continue to prioritise restoration efforts, while also keeping our eyes on long-term development. Our goal must be to rebuild in a way that reduces vulnerability and improves service delivery,” she said.

Describing the current mood in Hanover as a season of rebuilding, Dehaney-Grant commended the organisations, agencies and community, who continue to work tirelessly to restore normalcy and strengthen infrastructure across the parish.

“We at the HMC are grateful for your continued partnership and commitment to the development and recovery of our parish,” she said.

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