Jamaica Gleaner

Roofs off in Portland

By Gareth Davis, Gleaner Writer

Several houses throughout the eastern side of Portland on the island's north eastern shore have lost their roofs due to strong winds from Hurricane Ivan.

On Saturday several shelters in the eastern part of the parish were occupied, but many of the occupants had been left unmonitored and had not received any food from Friday.

Up until 11:00 p.m. Friday 45 of the 80 designated shelters were opened, and according to Mayor Alston Hunter, the reports from the shelters then was that a little over 1500 people had checked in.

The main road is impassable, but the National Works Agency is slow in clearing the roadway, leaving the police in Portland to actually clear roads that are blocked with trees and other debris.
Secretary manager of the Portland Parish Council, Franklyn Smith told The Gleaner on Saturday that persons were contracted before the hurricane to assist with the clearing away of trees that were expected to block the main road.

"Persons with chainsaws were contracted on Thursday from the eastern and western sides of the parish to assist with the clearing away of trees and JPS electrical poles that were expected to have fallen due to the projected strength of Hurricane Ivan", said Mr. Smith.

At Love Lane in Port Antonio a huge boulder landed behind on The Rock Pub & Restaurant as well as the home of a resident who gave her name only as Suzette,
causing extensive damage to the pub and house.
Superintendent of the Port Antonio Police, Elbert Nelson said the householders were advised to evacuate the house immediately.

Meanwhile, the Port Antonio Fire Department, headed by Deputy Superintendent Filson Pryce, along with mayor of Port Antonio Alston Hunter were kept busy last night, as persons who, up on realising that the hurricane was bearing upon the island, had to be rushed to the various shelters.

"We remained active throughout the entire night", said Mr. Hunter. "Assistance was also given by the National Water Commission team, Fay Neufville, OPDEM Co-ordinator along with Mr. Smith from the parish council. Persons who are reluctant to move to go to the shelters had started to experience their worst nightmare".