WESTMORELAND, Jamaica — Local Government and Community Development Minister Desmond McKenzie has dismissed as “false and mischievous” claims that the Government plans to evict families currently sheltered at Petersfield High School since the passage of Hurricane Melissa.

Member of Parliament for Westmoreland Central, Dwayne Vaz, on Wednesday voiced concern that the Government intended to close the shelter, which is housing more than 50 families, comprising 86 individuals, including 46 children.

Earlier this month, McKenzie had indicated that the shelter would need to be closed by the end of December to allow preparations for the reopening of school in January.

READ: Westmoreland residents given until the end of December to vacate Petersfield High School shelter

However, in a statement on Wednesday, he clarified that no eviction exercise is planned and that the Government remains focused on securing temporary and permanent housing for those affected by the October 28 storm.

“The Government had indicated that ideally we intend to begin the process of closing the shelter before 2025 ends. However, we have been clear that such closure will only take place when reasonable housing facilities are in place for those who remain in the shelter,” the minister said.

He explained that residents may be relocated to another section of the school compound to minimise disruption to the reopening of the institution, but stressed that no one will be forced to leave without alternative accommodation.

“Let me be clear, we are not evicting those in shelter at Petersfield High who do not have anywhere to go. Those reports on social and traditional media are false and untruthful,” McKenzie said.

According to McKenzie, state agencies are actively working on temporary housing solutions, including an initiative being pursued in partnership with Food For the Poor, while long-term housing will be addressed through the New Social Housing Programme (NSHP).

He also noted that Prime Minister Andrew Holness has emphasised that the Government’s response is guided by the best interests of shelter residents and that the situation will be handled with sensitivity as the school prepares to reopen.

The minister further criticised what he described as deliberate misinformation surrounding the Government’s response to Hurricane Melissa, urging those spreading such claims to stop.

“I am calling on those agents of lies and misinformation to cease and desist. Seeking to exploit the plight of the less fortunate in society in order to advance a dishonourable agenda is vulgar, despicable and quite frankly a very low act. These agents of lies and misinformation must be called out and should be ashamed of themselves,” McKenzie said.