Holness Government Rejects Eviction Claims at Petersfield High Shelter, Says Housing Solutions Underway
Jamaica Live News Desk– | Dec 31, 2025
The Andrew Holness–led Government has firmly rejected claims that it intends to evict hurricane victims currently sheltering at Petersfield High School, describing the reports as false, misleading, and untruthful.
Concerns were raised following a report aired on CVM TV, in which residents displaced by Hurricane Melissa said they were worried about a December 31 deadline to vacate the school. Residents told CVM News that, beyond food, they had received little assistance while staying at the shelter. One resident, Christina Campbell-Ennis, warned that more than 100 families could be left without anywhere to go.
Minister McKenzie: No Evictions Planned
In a statement issued on December 31, 2025, Local Government and Community Development Minister Desmond McKenzie categorically denied that the Government plans to evict anyone from the shelter.
Minister McKenzie said while the Government had indicated an intention to begin the process of closing the shelter before the end of 2025, any such move would only occur once reasonable housing alternatives are in place.
“We have been clear that such closure will only take place when reasonable housing facilities are in place for those who remain in the shelter,” the Minister stated.
He explained that what is being proposed is a relocation of shelter residents to another section of the Petersfield High compound, in order to minimise disruption ahead of the school’s reopening in the new year.
“Let me be clear, we are not evicting those in shelter at Petersfield High who do not have anywhere to go. Those reports on social and traditional media are false and untruthful,” McKenzie said.
Temporary and Long-Term Housing in Progress
According to the Minister, relevant state agencies have been on the ground in Petersfield, Westmoreland, working to facilitate temporary housing solutions for residents who remain displaced.
McKenzie revealed that the Government is working in partnership with Food For the Poor on an additional temporary housing solution, with land already identified for the project. However, he cautioned that this solution will take time to materialise.
For long-term relief, the Minister reiterated that permanent housing for families whose homes were destroyed will be delivered through the New Social Housing Programme (NSHP).
Prime Minister: School to Reopen, Residents Treated with Sensitivity
Minister McKenzie also referenced a recent visit to the shelter by Prime Minister Holness, during which the Prime Minister underscored that the Government’s actions are guided by the best interests of the affected residents.
While Petersfield High is scheduled to reopen for school in January, the Prime Minister assured that the circumstances of those still sheltering at the institution would be handled with sensitivity and care.
Government Condemns Misinformation
The Local Government Minister strongly criticised what he described as a deliberate campaign of misinformation surrounding the Government’s response to Hurricane Melissa.
“There are some individuals who appear for partisan political reasons to be determined to tell lies and spread fake news concerning the Government’s Hurricane Melissa relief and recovery efforts,” McKenzie said.
He condemned attempts to exploit the suffering of displaced residents for political gain, calling such actions “vulgar, despicable, and a very low act,” and urged those spreading falsehoods to cease and desist.
As recovery efforts continue, the Government insists its focus remains on ensuring that hurricane-affected families are provided with both temporary relief and sustainable, long-term housing—without abandoning or forcibly removing those still in need of shelter.