Thu | Apr 9, 2026

Government sets May 8 deadline to relocate Hurricane Melissa shelterees

Published:Thursday | April 9, 2026 | 2:15 PM
Local Government Minister, Desmond McKenzie addresses the Local government and community month 2021 National Church Service, which was held at the Abundant Life Ministries in Green Park, Trelawny on Sunday November 21.
Ashley Anguin
Local Government Minister, Desmond McKenzie addresses the Local government and community month 2021 National Church Service, which was held at the Abundant Life Ministries in Green Park, Trelawny on Sunday November 21.

The Ministry of Local Government and Community Development has announced that all persons still housed in school shelters following Hurricane Melissa will be relocated to suitable accommodations by May 8, 2026.

In a statement on Thursday, the ministry said the move forms part of the Government’s ongoing national recovery effort.

It noted that as of April 9, only eight schools remain in use as shelters, accommodating a total of 81 individuals.

The ministry credited initiatives such as the $10-billion ROOFS housing assistance programme, rent support for displaced families, and home repairs for significantly reducing the number of people living in shelters.

The ministry said the final phase of the relocation exercise is aimed at restoring normalcy for both displaced families and the school community, while ensuring that vulnerable residents are provided with adequate housing.

Priority will be given to shelterees at Petersfield High School, which remains the largest active shelter and accounts for roughly half of those still in school-based facilities, it said.

The ministry said a range of housing solutions is being deployed to support the transition, including government-procured modular housing units, rental assistance, and other tailored arrangements based on the needs of individual families.

Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie gave assurances that the timeline will be met.

“I can personally give my commitment that all families within a school-based shelter will be provided with suitable, dignified accommodations by Friday, May 8,” McKenzie said.

He added that the Government is taking a “practical and compassionate approach” to the process, noting that modular housing units are already in the island and that work is under way to prepare foundations for their installation, particularly for residents at Petersfield.

The local government ministry relocation effort is being coordinated through a multi-agency response involving several ministries and agencies, with a focus on the welfare of displaced residents and the broader recovery of communities affected by the hurricane.

The ministry reaffirmed that it remains committed to completing the shelter transition process and advancing recovery efforts for families impacted by Hurricane Melissa.

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