PHILIPSBURG–Health Minister Emil Lee said the situation at the temporary shelter in Festival Village turned negative when the Ministry received reports of theft, illegal drug use, violent episodes and in some cases prostitution. He shared this with the media during Wednesday’s live Council of Ministers press briefing.
Residents of the Festival Village and Little League Ballpark shelters were moved to a rehabilitation facility in Sucker Garden last week Friday. The former brothel Hypnotic was renovated by Dr. J. Foundation, which is charged with running the centre on behalf of Government.
“Out of 67 persons that were staying at the two shelters in Philipsburg, 34 of them have moved to the new shelter; 23 are adults, 11 children and 8 pensioners. There was lack of sufficient guidance from social workers and in our contract with the foundation they will provide the necessary guidance.
“This is a facility that has been renovated and it is a much better environment for those who moved there. This is not a housing solution, but a rehabilitation shelter that will provide the persons with the much-needed assistance to integrate back into society,” stated Lee.
The shelter is equipped with a minimum of three washer-and-dryer facilities and has a facility manager, administrative workers, social workers, chefs, cleaners and 24/7 security on premises. The foundation’s services include preparation of the shelter and it has documented living guidelines for its residents.
Persons who occupy the shelter were required to sign an agreement establishing the shelter rules and regulations. There is a rent fee for those who are working, but at the end of their stay it will be given back to them as a start-up for new furniture or down payment on an apartment, Lee said.
The residents who were not allowed in the shelter failed their mandatory drug test and some did not have legal residence to reside on the island.
Lee said he is happy that authorities are able to provide a decent living solution for persons in the community who were impacted by Hurricane Irma.
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/75323-lee-reports-drug-use-prostitution-at-former-festival-village-shelter
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