Shelter manager shortage worries KSAMC ahead of 2026 hurricane season

Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation members are facing concern over a shortage of people willing to serve as shelter managers, just two days before the official opening of the 2026 hurricane season. Government officials say the gap remains despite efforts to get residents and workers signed up for emergency duties.

The issue was raised during a meeting on hurricane preparedness, where officials reviewed the readiness of agencies responsible for disaster response. One official said several shelter managers had either declined to continue serving or had stopped responding to calls.

Shelter managers are responsible for keeping emergency shelters running properly when residents are forced to evacuate. Their duties include registering and orienting shelter users, arranging meals, hygiene supplies and sleeping areas, coordinating resources, supervising support staff, working with outside agencies, preparing reports and keeping records. They are also expected to help maintain health, safety and operational standards inside the facilities.

Officials said the vacancies must be filled quickly. Councillors were asked to help identify suitable persons, while the Social Development Commission may also be asked to assist where shortages remain. Shelter management training is being planned to prepare new recruits for the role.

The discussion also raised concerns about whether authorities had been slow to act, given the lessons from previous storms that affected Jamaica. Officials acknowledged that the pressures linked to Hurricane Melissa may have discouraged some people from taking on the responsibility.

An annual shelter management conference is scheduled for the end of July, after the hurricane season has already started. Officials said the conference is intended to bring shelter managers together and share updated information on what they should expect during the season.

The disaster coordinator also pointed to plans to take disaster risk management into communities, with agencies invited to explain their roles in the response system. She said many new volunteers may not fully understand what emergency shelter work involves, and workshops will be used to prepare them.

Councillors were warned not to delay in finding people for the posts, as emergency plans could be weakened if shelters do not have enough trained personnel.