St James shelter repairs advance ahead of 2026 hurricane season

St James is moving to strengthen its emergency shelter network ahead of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, with repairs under way at the Rose Heights Community Centre and inspections continuing across the parish.

The community centre, which also functions as an emergency shelter, was selected as the parish’s Labour Day project. Members of the St James Municipal Corporation worked alongside residents and volunteers, using paint, building materials and repair tools to improve the facility.

Richard Vernon, chairman of the St James Municipal Corporation, said shelters being rehabilitated by the local authority are expected to meet the relevant building standards. He said the work is being guided by the superintendent of roads and works, with attention to the codes that apply to concrete and wooden structures.

Vernon said that, under normal conditions, the upgraded facility should be able to manage the type of weather systems the parish faces each year. However, he cautioned that no structure can be guaranteed to withstand the force of a Category 5 hurricane.

Andrea Car Finnegan, president of the Rose Heights Community Development Committee, said the community welcomed the restoration effort. She said the centre had lost its entire roof during Melissa, and its regular use by residents made the repairs especially important.

Arthur Lynch, chairman of the Montego Bay Disaster Committee, said checks have started at buildings identified for use as shelters. Of the 63 shelters in St James, he said 34 are ready, while the remainder are still being worked on.

Lynch said several of the unfinished locations are schools, where repairs are being done to roofs, washroom facilities and other areas damaged during Melissa. He said officials expect all 63 shelters in the parish to be ready by the middle of June.