KINGSTON, Jamaica — Hours before Hurricane Melissa is forecast to hit the island, bringing intense wind and rain, Minister of Local Government and Community Development Desmond McKenzie is reiterating that shelters across the island are safe spaces for people in vulnerable communities.

“I am aware of reports in the media today, which indicate that some people are concerned that they will not be secure if they use the shelters. I want to put everyone at ease where this is concerned. Every one of our over 881 shelters across Jamaica is run by a shelter manager who has a support team, and they are at the facility before, during and after the hurricane,” McKenzie said.

He continued, “Men and women are housed separately, except where whole families are being accommodated at the shelter. The shelters are clean and are provisioned with all necessary supplies to ensure that all hygienic and public health standards are maintained. Additionally, the police will be patrolling the various spaces before and after the hurricane.”

Hurricane Melissa, which is currently a category five storm, is forecast to bring life-threatening storm surge, tropical storm-force winds and the potential of landslides to the country. Evacuation orders have been issued for several seaside areas across Kingston, St Andrew, St Catherine, Portland, Manchester and St Elizabeth.

“It is critical that persons in specially vulnerable areas use these shelters, which have been selected and prepared to ensure their safety from the hurricane. I urge you not to be crippled by fear, or discouraged by rumours,” McKenzie said.

He emphasised that securing life is the most important thing to do during this season.

“The only purpose of the shelters is your safety. Your Government is not callous or dismissive of your anxieties about leaving your homes for what could be a few days at least. However, I urge you to remember that personal, community and national recovery from this historically serious hurricane is only possible if you are alive and well to make it happen. We want every single person in this country to be alive and accounted for when Melissa is over,” he said.

McKenzie urged vulnerable residents to lock up their houses, take the things they need and move out temporarily.

“If you can stay with friends or relatives, please do so. If this is not possible, please take whatever supplies you need, including food, water and any medicines, use the buses being provided, and go to the shelter nearest to you to weather the passage of Hurricane Melissa. These facilities are literally your shelter from the storm, and I call on you to use them,” he urged.