Minister Outlines Relocation Plan for Residents Housed at Petersfield High School

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, has outlined a structured relocation plan for residents of Petersfield, Westmoreland who are currently being housed at Petersfield High School, following the destruction of their homes by Hurricane Melissa.

Speaking with the displaced residents during a visit to the school on December 3, the Minister emphasised that the school must be returned to normal operations in short order.

“We want to make it clear that this facility, by the end of December, will have to be cleared so that the school can take possession, so that they can start to clean up and get ready for the school term, which begins in January,” he said.

The Minister stressed that a number of temporary options will be used while permanent repairs and rebuilding are carried out.

“What is going to be done will not be the permanent fix, but it will be a temporary holding until the permanent repairs and rebuilding are done,” he noted.

Minister McKenzie also advised residents of a series of measures the Government is set to implement.

“There are a number of elderly persons who are here that we will make provisions for, once they are willing to be housed at the infirmary where they will be taken care of,” he said.

He added that residents who can be accommodated by relatives or friends will receive assistance from the Government.

“If you have family members or friends who will be willing to take you, then the Government will help to facilitate that,” he explained.

For residents whose rented homes were destroyed, and who can secure a new rental arrangement, support will also be offered.

“If you were living somewhere where you rent… and you can find somewhere else to rent, but perhaps the rent might [a bit higher], then that is an option that [can be] considered,” he said.

The Minister clarified that the assistance also applies to homeowners whose houses were completely destroyed, once they are officially registered in the shelter.

`“Anyone who can find somewhere to rent… we will facilitate that. You have to be registered in the shelter to be a part of what I just outlined,” he said.

As it relates to those who do not fall into the above categories, the Ministry will establish a temporary housing site on the nearby playing field.

“We will put down a number of tents constructed by the JDF and put in all the facilities that will be required, and that will include bedding, bathrooms and toilets,” the Minister said.

He added that the same level of support being offered at the school will also be provided at the new temporary facility.

Minister McKenzie informed residents that assessments will begin immediately to determine individual needs as part of the relocation process.

“I’ll be assigning, through the Social Development Commission (SDC) and the Ministry of Labour, 50 YSEP (Youth Summer Employment Programme) workers who will commence immediately an assessment of all of you who reside here in the school,” he said.

He encouraged residents to provide accurate information and to remain cooperative.

“Don’t let anybody else tell you that there is another option. The Government is concerned about your welfare… but there is only so much that we can give up. So, your cooperation is going to be important,” he urged.

The Minister outlined that he will return to the community on Friday (December 5) to continue the process. Teams will visit residents’ damaged homes to evaluate what repairs are possible.

Mr. McKenzie also expressed gratitude to the administration and staff of Petersfield High School for their continued sacrifice.