175 people being housed in five shelters – Gonsalves

Five shelters are currently in operation with 175 occupants, down from eight that had been initially set up by the National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO).{{more}}

Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves said on Monday that the initial eight set up included five schools, two Learning Resource Centres and one at the Richmond Vale Academy and collectively they housed over 300 people.

“By January 5, 2014, seven shelters remained open with 225 persons and another four hundred persons were provided with food packages,” Gonsalves said.

However by the weekend of January 11, the shelters in the five schools were closed and the occupants housed in Learning Resource Centres or Community Centres, in homes rented by the government or in the homes of family and friends.

“Five shelters currently are in operation with 175 occupants,” the Prime Minister said.

And all affected persons in the communities are being provided with on-going relief through NEMO and other governmental and non-governmental agencies, Gonsalves said. (DD)