KINGSTON, Jamaica – Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie has made an impassioned plea for people in low-lying and flood-prone areas of Jamaica to get to the nearest shelter, because the latest update from the Meteorological Service is indicating that the country will suffer severely from flooding and heavy winds.

He made the appeal a short while ago while speaking at a press conference at the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management in Kingston.

The minister said, so far, people are not heeding the call.

Minister McKenzie said he has been in contact with Phillip Paulwell, member of Parliament for Port Royal, and has been informed that people are still refusing to leave Port Royal.

The Local Government minister stated that buses will be sent to Port Royal at 6:00 pm today, where it will remain until 8:00 pm. He said all those who are willing to go to the shelter at the National Arena in Kingston, should board those buses.

The minsiter also said that the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) made its last flight to Pedro Cays yesterday to take supplies, including kerosene and other fuel, to those there. He however indicated that 30 people have decided to remain on the Pedro Cays.

The minister said at this stage, the Government cannot say whether or not the JDF will be able to return to Pedro Cays because of weather condtions.

Meanwhile, the minister also reported that a deal has been brokerd with the Salvation Army, for them to assit the Government with getting homeless people across the island, especially those in the areas expected to be hardest hit, to shelters.

Karl Angell