Karlene O'Connor, Sunday Gleaner Writer

"We are ready for any eventualities," was the sentiment of nearly most infirmaries contacted by The Sunday Gleaner yesterday.

With the threat of Hurricane Dean, a Category Four hurricane, hanging dangerously over the country, most of the less fortunate among us, who are residents of infirmaries across Jamaica, are said to be in 'safe hands'.

Feasible evacuation plan

Thummin Malcolm, of the Spanish Town Infirmary, said that the disaster preparedness team at the infirmary continues to work closely with the parish council in preparation. They have a feasible evacuation plan and all staff members are on call.

The same was repeated by Novelette Silvera, assistant matron at the St. Mary Infirmary, Angella Gayle-Roye of the Manchester Infirmary, and Matron Burke of the Portland infirmary.

Joycelyn Bryan of the Clarendon infirmary was not as confident, as she said, despite having the necessary food and staff in place, the infirmary had been promised assistance but was yet to receive it.

Secured

She said, however, that the 138 residents were secure, but unfortunately, the infirmary has had to deny accommodation to others.

Ray Wilson, a director of Clarendon Association for Street People Benevolent, which provides shelter to some 19 residents said: "there is little preparation that we can make. We can only hope for the best."

Mr. Wilson said that he had been contacted to provide shelter for others during the hurricane, but is unable to do so.

When contacted, Major Carol Roberts, matron of the Francis Ham Residence for Adult Blind and Retired, was still overseeing preparations for the hurricane.