ST ANDREW, Jamaica — Fewer than 10 people are in four shelters in the Gordon Town area of St Andrew East Rural, in light of a dangerous Hurricane Matthew, which is moving northward towards Jamaica, and is expected to cause severe weather conditions in the island.

Shelter coordinator, Winston Jackson, has confirmed that of the shelters in operation, approximately six residents have gone to the Louise Bennett-Coverley All-Age School.

Member of Parliament Juliet Holiness, who was in the area making last-minute arrangements, told OBSERVER ONLINE that she has appealed to residents in low-lying areas to leave, but they have refused.

“I have spoken to them, especially those by the river, but they say if anything should happen they will stay with neighbours and friends further up,” Holness said.

In the meantime, Joan Tucker of Bull Retreat in the constituency said she decided to leave home in the mountains for a shelter because she feared being hurt in likely landslides.

“I have no problem being here; I feel safer here,” she said.

Kimone Francis