People still homeless after Hurricane Melissa says PNP supporter

Nearly a year after Hurricane Melissa tore through western Jamaica, some residents in Hanover are still without proper shelter and are depending on friends for a roof over their heads, according to PNP supporter Carlyle Peterkin.

Peterkin, a resident of Woodland in the Hopewell Division, raised the issue while attending the PNP’s 88th Annual Conference public session in Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland, on Sunday.

“There are persons now who still without shelter from the hurricane even till now,” Peterkin said.

He said some affected residents have been forced to rely on friends who helped to put up temporary structures since the hurricane.

Peterkin also complained that the Government has not been providing enough relief to residents affected by the disaster.

He further blamed what he described as inadequate funding for opposition-controlled local authorities, arguing that the limited resources have affected their ability to respond to residents’ needs.

“We are trying our best, but with a limited amount of results because we are in opposition,” he said, alleging that “funds is not really coming” and that there was interference with the councils.

Despite his concerns, Peterkin said he was pleased with the performance of his Member of Parliament and councillor.

“The little resources that they had, they are doing extremely well with it,” he said.

Peterkin also welcomed the decision to hold the PNP’s public conference session in Westmoreland, saying residents in western Jamaica deserved greater attention following the hurricane.

“Because we were damaged in the hurricane, I think it was a wise decision on the party president to bring the private session to Westmoreland,” he said.

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