Gareth Davis Sr., Gleaner Writer

These homeless persons were seen in Kingston just prior to Hurricane Dean. This could be the fate of the newly homeless, currently being housed at the principal's cottage, in Manchioneal, Portland. - Norman Grindley/Deputy Chief Photographer

The 17 persons now housed at the principal's cottage at Manchioneal, in Portland, are fearful that an epidemic could break out anytime as living conditions at the shelter are not healthy.

Those now occupying the make-shift shelter include a one-month-old baby, six adult females, four adult males, and six children, who are believed to be below the age of 10.

The three-bedroom cottage, which was abandoned more than five years ago, after it fell into disrepair, is home to the 17, after Hurricane Dean left them homeless and school's restart left them without a legitimate shelter.

"We lost our homes during the hurricane, but conditions are far worse than we expected here," said Wayne Powell, one of the 17 now made homeless after the passage of Hurricane Dean.

"The roof leaks heavily whenever it rains, and one of the bedrooms is beyond repair. I have taken up residence on the veranda area with my family, which also includes our one-month-old baby," he added.

Mr. Powell explained that the building was without electricity and the bathroom was in dire need of repair. Leaking pipes have compounded their problems, but he was quick to point out that they are determined to address the bathroom and water situation by themselves. The leaking roof, however, is more of a challenge.

Six months at new facility

The now homeless 17, who were transferred from the Manchioneal All-age school ahead of the new school year to the cottage facility, claim that during the transfer they were told that they would be spending a period of six months at their new facility.

The Gleaner toured the facility last Friday and observed unsanitary conditions, which was manifested in the form of flies, roaches, spiders, lizards, slugs and other crawling insects. The stench of urine and faeces from domestic goats and other animals, including dogs, was also quite strong.

The 17 are also fearful that when the six-month period expires, they might be thrown out on to the street with nowhere to go, and nowhere to house family members, as all their belongings were lost during the passage of the hurricane.

"I am 72 years old and at this stage of my life it is hard for me to start all over again," said a tearful elderly woman, identified only as Joyce. "I lost my nice three-bedroom board house during the hurricane, and now I have to face the embarrassment of people calling me a squatter."

The 17 also allege that persons from the Ministry of Education visited them early last week to tell them they had to leave as the building was to undergo major repairs. They further alleged the representatives from the Ministry of Education labelled them squatters, who had no right to be there.

Attempts to contact the ministry of education have proven unsuccessful.

Since the Gleaner's visit, the local health department has put rodent control measures in place.