Attorney calls for urgent relocation of prisoners, evacuation of Black River following Hurricane Melissa
ST ELIZABETH, Jamaica — Attorney-at-law Thomas Levene is calling for the immediate relocation of 65 prisoners being housed at the Black River Police Station, citing inhumane conditions that have been caused by the passage of Hurricane Melissa.
Levene said the entire lower section of the station was inundated with water during the hurricane, leaving detainees and police personnel struggling to cope.
“They have little food. They have no running water. They have no catched water around there,” Levene said.
The attorney added that the crisis extends beyond the police station, warning that the entire Black River community is now in distress and may need to be evacuated.
“As far as I see what is happening in Black River, Black River has to be evacuated. Things are happening down here which are affecting persons. There’s no water. Persons need food. They need water. They need refreshments. They need shelter,” he said.
Levene is urging authorities to act urgently to relocate the prisoners and provide emergency relief for residents affected by flooding and water shortages.
