St. Elizabeth Shelter Managers Honoured

The St. Elizabeth Municipal Corporation has awarded 23 Shelter Managers for their years of service in fostering a safe and protected environment for displaced citizens across the various communities, in the event of a disaster.

They were honoured during a Shelter Management Symposium & Awards Ceremony at the St. Elizabeth Technical High School, in Santa Cruz, on July 21, under the theme: ‘Building Capacity in the Changing Face of Disasters’.

Those awarded came from the communities of Brinkley, Braes River, Santa Cruz, Red Bank, Middle Quarters, Warminster, Springfield, Flagaman, Balaclava, Carisbrook and others.

In his address, Chief Technical Director in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation with responsibility for Water, Works, Infrastructure, Capital Investments and Special Projects, Yaneke Watson, said that Shelter Managers are invaluable assets to any community.

He said their contribution towards improving the emergency response of communities, ultimately leads to saving lives.

“We want to ensure that our shelter managers are treated properly, are respected in the community and importantly, they are motivated to continue,” Mr. Watson emphasised.

“You the shelter managers are very important to the (emergency management) process. So today, we are celebrating with you, your work, contribution and how you have helped to build this parish and build our society,” he added.

He said more shelters are needed in St. Elizabeth and Jamaica, by extension, and is prepared to work with communities to lobby on their behalf.

For his part, Mayor of Black River, Councillor Derrick Sangster, encouraged shelter managers to continue their “great work” in the hope of inspiring others to step up and volunteer to the cause of shelter management.

“We appreciate the commitment to your community, parish, and country. Let us continue to be prepared for a disaster. Let us continue to respond when such disaster takes place and be always prepared to assist our fellow citizens,” he said.

Shelter manager for Braes River District, Christopher Coley, told JIS News that he was both “elated and grateful” to be awarded, noting that shelter managers selflessly give their time and service yearly to put St. Elizabeth in a state of readiness for any potential disaster.