All school shelters closed except Petersfield High

 

By Kimone Witter 

 

 

Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie says all shelters that were operating from schools, with the exception of Petersfield High in Westmoreland, have closed.

 

He was quick to point out that about 50 families at Petersfield High are being housed away from the student population.

 

Mr. McKenzie said the government has been providing financial support, through the Social Development Commission (SDC), to persons who have chosen to rent properties or stay with relatives.

 

He stressed that this will remain in place for three months.

 

"The SDC has been facilitating taking care of persons who have gone out to rent locations and persons who have been staying with families. Through the SDC they have been getting the allowance to do that. I just want to make the point that we will assist those persons in the Petersfield area, who have applied, over a three-month period. Government can't over a longer period pay rent," he advised.

 

Mr. McKenzie said permanent accommodations are being structured through a public-private partnership with Food For The Poor.

 

"So we are doing some extensive work now at Petersfield. Food For The Poor is working closely with us, with the Ministry of Economic Growth and [Infrastructure Development] in preparing permanent housing solutions for the...about 50-odd families that are registered at the shelter in Petersfield," he outlined.