KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) is calling on the Government to urgently implement effective measures to support residents of Petersfield, Westmoreland, who remain displaced in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.

According to Opposition Spokesman on Housing and Sustainable Living, Professor Senator Floyd Morris, approximately 185 residents are still housed at the Petersfield High School shelter, where they have been staying since the hurricane’s passage two months ago. He says the Government has informed the group that they must vacate the school by the end of December, as the institution needs to resume full use of its facilities.

Senator Morris argues that while the school cannot serve as a long-term solution, the Government has a responsibility to provide meaningful assistance to those left homeless.

“The Government must provide reasonable options to assist the 185 residents who are staying at the shelter at Petersfield High School,” he said.

He strongly condemned reported suggestions that displaced residents be moved to a tent on the school’s playing field, calling the idea “inhumane” and “an affront to the dignity of the residents”.

Professor Morris also criticised the Government’s stance that residents should seek out relatives or attempt to rent accommodations on their own.

“Simply telling the residents that they must find family members or get somewhere to rent cannot cut it,” he argued. “The Government has a duty of care for the people after a natural disaster. A caring government does not abandon people who are in distress.”

The Opposition spokesman outlined a three-pronged plan he believes the Government should implement immediately: first, create a temporary holding area for residents until long-term solutions are arranged; second, provide building materials and Jamaica Defence Force support to repair homes that are salvageable; and third, develop sustainable housing options for residents whose homes were completely destroyed.

Reflecting on the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, Professor Morris noted how quickly the storm changed the lives of many Petersfield families.

“Hurricane Melissa was a disaster that came and ravaged the lives of these residents. They never knew that within 30 minutes of wind and rain, their lives would be plunged into a hellish situation. Therefore, a caring government must be empathetic and do everything to cater to the needs of these residents whose futures are hanging in the balance,” he said.