Black River Police Station heavily damaged as Hurricane Melissa floods St Elizabeth

The Black River Police Station in St Elizabeth was left battered by Hurricane Melissa, which unleashed heavy rains and fierce winds on the southern parish.

Coleridge Minto, head of the St Elizabeth police, indicated that several windows at the station were damaged, compromising the building and its contents.

He also reported that the station’s gate was damaged, as were several vehicles on the property.

Even under those circumstances, Minto said the station was made available to residents whose homes were damaged and who needed refuge.

He noted that there has been extensive damage across the parish.

"We are prioritising every person, including those who came to shelter, our police officers, and certainly at this location where we have prisoners in custody," he said.

"The priority at this time is to ensure that no life is lost at this facility," added Minto.

Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie, speaking at a news conference this afternoon, said the damage to St Elizabeth — the country’s major food-producing parish — was “extensive” and, by Tuesday evening, remained “under water,” with some families trapped.

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