Over 200 Residents Displaced In Rocky Point, Clarendon

KINGTSON, July 6 (JIS):

Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., says that over 200 residents have been displaced in Rocky Point, Clarendon due to flooding or damage to homes from the passage of Hurricane Beryl.

Minister Charles Jr., who was speaking at the Rocky Point Community Centre on Saturday (July 6), during a tour of the area with Prime Minister the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, said support has been provided for over 70 persons at the facility, which has been converted into a shelter.

“The Ministry, with partners Jamaica Red Cross, Food for the Poor and others have been here and have distributed packages, blankets, tarpaulin, water boots and other support that is needed. The majority of persons here are those who could access the shelter, but we have community members, who were displaced but who were taken in by other neighbours or family,” he pointed out.

Minister Charles Jr. said that several homes were either partially or completed destroyed because of Hurricane Beryl.

“Unfortunately, we have too many homes that have been completely destroyed, collapsed and a large portion where even if the roofing is there…we see where there is significant flooding,” he pointed out.

Considering the significant damage, Minister Charles Jr. is reminding residents that the Government is committed to helping those in need.

“We have had volunteers out for the last 48 hours but they are focused on the persons who were in the shelters and who have left the shelters.

“We are also aware that there are persons, who have been displaced who didn’t go to the shelter but go to [neighbours] homes. We are going to ask for that information to be taken down as well. They are going to be given the same support as if they were in a shelter,” he pointed out.