McKenzie appeals to Port Royal residents to relocate if ordered

As Tropical Storm Melissa moves closer to Jamaica, the Government has appealed to residents of Port Royal in Kingston to comply with directives to relocate whenever they are issued.

In the past, some residents have rebuffed efforts by authorities to relocate to designated shelters.

Minister of Local Government and Community Development Desmond McKenzie, who made the appeal, said this is an area of "grave concern" to authorities.

"We have not been getting the kind of cooperation that is required from the residents in Port Royal whenever there is an event," he said during a special media briefing on Wednesday.

McKenzie said he plans to discuss the issue with Member of Parliament for Kingston Eastern and Port Royal, Phillip Paulwell.

Paulwell told The STAR on Thursday that the residents have concerns about the security of their belongings if they opt to leave and enter the designated shelter.

"I would need to speak to the minister about that because there has to be significant security presence in the community to prevent theft," he said.

Further, Paulwell said the residents are "very concerned" about the location of the designated shelter and the provisions made there.

He revealed that the National Arena in St Andrew served as the designated shelter for Port Royal residents during the last weather event.

"I certainly would support a shelter that is closer to their community than the National Arena and for special provisions to be made to ensure that the shelters are properly stocked with adequate supplies for sleeping and food," Paulwell said.

He noted, however, that he shared McKenzie's concerns that there could be widespread flooding in the event of a hurricane "and I believe it is better for lives and limbs to be saved".

"It's better to be safe than sorry."

Paulwell said he supported the call by the local government minister and welcomed the opportunity to discuss the concerns.

- Livern Barrett

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