ST ANN, Jamaica – Mayor of St Ann’s Bay Desmond Gilmore says some eight shelters were already in operation in St Ann, Monday morning.

The shelters which already have residents include St George’s Primary, Moneague  Primary and Junior High, Ocho Rios High School, Lime Hall Primary, Parry Town Primary, Marcus Garvey Technical High, and Steer Town Primary.

Gilmore revealed that one resident in Free Hill, Sharon Brown, has also made her home available to people in the area. 

Up to Monday morning, there were no reports of flooding in the parish, the mayor said.

However, he said the area where the North-South Highway meets Mammee Bay is being monitored. 

Also, Gilmore said there were reports of a tree blocking one of the lanes of the roadway in Fern Gully. 

In the meantime, the mayor has said the St Ann Parish Council has done all possible to prepare for Hurricane Matthew. 

“I think we are as ready as we are going to be,” he said. 

Gilmore said drains have been cleaned and efforts made to have supplies ready for the hurricane.

Renae Dixon