KINGSTON, Jamaica — Desmond McKenzie, the minister of local government and rural development, says emergency shelters across the island are in a state of readiness, for the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season.

McKenzie was speaking to reporters at the Buff Bay High School, in Portland on Friday, when he said that having visited Hanover and facilities in Portland, he is “more than satisfied” that the shelters are prepared for the hurricane season.

“Portland is one of the five priority parishes, when it comes on to disaster preparedness. The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) and the local authorities, have been working assiduously to ensure that our shelters are in a state of readiness,” the minister said.

He described the areas that are earmarked at the Buff Bay High School, for emergency use, as “exceptional”. He noted that over the next few weeks, he will be visiting other shelters across the island.

“The shelters are equipped, and will be able to accept persons if it becomes necessary, and it is the responsibility of every Jamaican, during this period to pay close attention to the warnings, reading the bulletins [issued] by ODPEM, especially in Portland, a parish that is prone to flooding,” McKenzie said.

According to the minister, arrangements have been made for all mayors to ensure that transportation is provided for people who may need to evacuate their communities, and go to a shelter.

“I urge Jamaicans to take heed if and when a warning comes,” he said.

The 2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season started on June 1 and will end on November 30.