353 Individuals Remain in Emergency Shelters Across St. James Following Hurricane Melissa

A total of 353 individuals remain housed in emergency shelters across St. James, just over two weeks after Hurricane Melissa made landfall on October 28.

This was disclosed by Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Richard Vernon, who indicated that the displaced individuals are being accommodated across 29 shelters – 25 of which are registered and four unregistered.

He outlined that the displaced population includes 145 men, 128 women, and 80 children.

The Mayor further noted that 304 individuals are currently housed in registered shelters, while 49 remain in unregistered facilities, emphasising that the human impact of Hurricane Melissa continues to be deeply felt across the parish.

He was addressing the St. James Municipal Corporation’s monthly meeting in Montego Bay on Thursday (November 13).

Meanwhile, Councillor Vernon advised that the ongoing relief operation remains extensive and is being driven by coordinated efforts across multiple agencies.

“We have distributed over 20,000 relief packages through the Jamaica Defence Force, the St. James Municipal Corporation, and the Ministry of Labour and Social Security,” he stated.

Mayor Vernon also noted that the Ministry has completed 761 assessments across 28 communities, to date – an effort he described as “an important exercise that will guide a more comprehensive recovery strategy for national government”.

He commended the resilience and collective spirit shown by communities since the passage of Hurricane Melissa.

“In the face of adversity, we have seen the best of our community… neighbours saving each other’s lives, opening up their doors as shelters, and agencies working tirelessly,” Councillor Vernon said.

He extended heartfelt gratitude to first responders, volunteers and stakeholder partners for their unwavering efforts throughout the emergency response and recovery process.

Mayor Vernon also issued an appeal for continued donations of essential items to support displaced residents and ongoing relief efforts.

“We continue to appeal for… clothing, food, water, bedding, tarpaulins, lanterns, flashlights, and cleaning supplies, among the list of priorities,” he said.