THE homeless community in Barbados must not be overlooked, whenever the nation is preparing for the impact of a severe weather system.
Kemar Saffrey, President of the Barbados Vagrants and Homeless Society (BVHS), pointed out the above recently, even as the island of Barbados battened down the hatches in preparation of Tropical Storm Dorian.
“Over the years, we have been calling for better planning as it relates to the homeless to make sure that they are not affected, because many times people only see the storm when it comes, but the storm for them is before it even comes because they are the ones who have to (brave the elements), even ahead of the storm. I know that there is much they will have to endure until the hurricane shelters are opened and then, they also have to get to the shelters,” Saffrey told The Barbados Advocate.
“Over the years, we have found that some of them didn’t know where the shelters were, or that they were even open, because they have limited to no communication. So this year we have made it known to the various authorities that we want our homeless taken care of, as it relates to this storm that is coming,” he added.
“Just as all the key agencies are a part of it, we should be a part of it as well, because we don’t want any of our homeless to be affected, in any form or any fashion. So we have made mention of that. We have spoken to members of different emergency organisations what we expect and we expect that we are kept abreast about all of the meetings that are on, in terms of the ones that would really benefit us, to give information to the homeless,” the BVHS President maintained.
He meanwhile revealed that the BVHS would be doing its part for the homeless community from its offices, ahead of the storm.
“Our office will be open to ensure that the homeless have care packages, have water, a change of clothes ready and nurses that work with us will be on standby. So the office will be going into full prep mode today (Monday), to make sure that they have everything that they need, as it relates to getting them off the streets,” Saffrey said.
Revealing that the BVHS has been successful in acquiring its promised homeless shelter in the City of Bridgetown, he however acknowledged that minor works are being carried out on the building and as such, it is not quite ready in terms of accommodating homeless persons. However, he noted that it will likely be ready in the coming weeks and will thus be available for any other severe weather system or natural disaster, that may affect the country. (RSM)