The Government Wants Church Buildings as Hurricane Shelters. It Came to a St Elizabeth Church to Say So

• Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie will ask churches island-wide for shelter space
• He made the announcement at Middle Quarters New Testament Church of God
• More than 400 churches in five parishes were expected to get clean-up grants
• Churches in St Elizabeth were to receive over $17 million

Jamaica’s churches may soon play a bigger formal role when disaster strikes. Speaking at the Middle Quarters New Testament Church of God in St Elizabeth in April 2026, Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie said his ministry would ask churches across the island to provide shelter space during natural disasters, Nationwide News reported.

“The ministry will be seeking the assistance of churches across the island for shelter spaces in times of natural disasters,” McKenzie said. He stressed that the initiative was not politically motivated.

The announcement came as grants were being handed out under the $75 million programme to help churches with debris removal and clean-up after Hurricane Melissa. More than 400 churches across five parishes were expected to receive grants, and churches in St Elizabeth were set to receive more than $17 million, the largest share.

Omar Frith, executive director of the Social Development Commission, noted that St Elizabeth had received the largest allocation and that some churches were left out because of problems verifying their applications.

Using churches as official shelters would make sense of what already happens informally after storms, when congregations open their halls to neighbours. But a shelter must be safe: a sound roof, secure windows, water, toilets and access for the elderly. If churches take on this role, the question of who pays to bring buildings up to standard will matter. Diaspora congregations that support churches back home can help by funding hurricane-resistant roofs and shutters, making their home church a safer refuge for the whole district. A church that can shelter its neighbours safely adds real value to the community, and to the building itself.