McKenzie refutes claims of evicting occupants of Petersfield High shelter

Arrangements are being made for the shelter occupants at Petersfield high school in Westmoreland  to be relocated to another section of the school.

This was revealed by local government minister Desmond McKenzie who is refuting claims that occupants  are being evicted from the school.

Several residents have been staying at the school, since the passage of Hurricane Melissa in October.

Up to yesterday, they complained that despite pledges that alternative accommodation will be provided, nothing has been done.

They said they were told that they had to leave the shelter by today, in order for the school to be prepared for the resumption of classes in the new term in January.

Member of Parliament for Central Westmoreland Dwayne Vaz called on the government to fast track plans to assist the affected residents.

In response to the concerns, McKenzie chastised persons he claimed were spreading misinformation and creating mischief about the situation at the shelter.

The minister rejected the false allegations that the government will evict people in the shelter at Petersfield High today and reiterated that temporary housing solutions are being worked on.

He noted that the initial intention was to close the shelter before year end, but that would only happen when reasonable housing facilities are in place for the persons who remain in the shelter.

Mr. McKenzie said  representatives from some agencies and food for the poor are in Westmoreland working on temporary housing solutions for the affected residents.

The long term plan to provide housing for residents whose houses were destroyed  and remain in shelters is via the New Social Housing Programme.

Mr. McKenzie called on those he described as agents of lies and misinformation to cease and desist.