Jamaica Teachers’ Association chastises Local Gov’t Minister for “reckless comments” on issue of shelterees at schools

The Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) has chastised Local Government Minister, Desmond McKenzie, for what has been deemed reckless comments on the issue of shelterees at schools.

JTA President, Mark Malabver, said the Association rejects any attempt to trivialise the situation.

Public schools are used as emergency shelters during periods of natural disasters, and with the passage of Hurricane Melissa last October, some residents sought refuge at the shelters and remained there months after the storm passed.

Last week, the JTA issued an ultimatum to the Ministry to relocate shelterees who still occupy schools within the next three weeks.

In response, Mr. McKenzie said the JTA is not in a position to give the Government an ultimatum.

Yesterday, Mr. Malabver pointed out that schools are not designed to function as long-term emergency shelters.

He said the continued presence of shelterees at schools stems from the Government’s failure to meet its own timelines and commitments.

The JTA President said the Minister’s comments have escalated an already tense situation.

He again called on the Ministry and the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management to accelerate the relocation of all remaining shelterees from schools.