Sun | Nov 30, 2025

Gov’t moves to rebuild Trelawny Municipal Corporation building after Hurricane Melissa

Published:Sunday | November 30, 2025 | 12:15 PM
Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Desmond McKenzie (centre), converses with President and Chief Executive Officer of the Port Authority of Jamaica, Professor Gordon Shirley (left), and Chairman of the Tourism Product Development Compa
JIS News
Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Desmond McKenzie (centre), converses with President and Chief Executive Officer of the Port Authority of Jamaica, Professor Gordon Shirley (left), and Chairman of the Tourism Product Development Company, Ian Dear, during a visit to Falmouth, Trelawny, on Saturday, November 29.

The Ministry of Local Government and Community Development has identified lands owned by the Trelawny Municipal Corporation for the construction of a new administrative building, following the devastation of the existing structure during Hurricane Melissa.

“They are now to proceed to start to do the necessary works in terms of the new location,” said Portfolio Minister Desmond McKenzie.

He made the announcement on Saturday, November 29, during a site visit to the location designated to temporarily house the Trelawny Infirmary in Falmouth.

According to McKenzie, the municipal corporation can no longer operate from its existing building, which is nearly 170 years old and was severely impacted by the Category Five hurricane. He added, however, that a solution is now in motion to begin the foundational steps.

“We are moving to ensure that they put the necessary things in place for us to start the process. The process has to start with the design and everything that is necessary so we can start to identify the funds,” the Minister explained.

Meanwhile, McKenzie advised that the Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ) has made its conference room and office space at the Port of Falmouth available for the Mayor’s use and for the Corporation to convene its regular meetings.

He said this cooperation is critical as the Municipal Corporation has been working closely with the PAJ as well as the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo) to provide economic support to Falmouth.

“I also had discussions with the PAJ [regarding] repairs to the Falmouth market, and they have accepted and will be meeting shortly to discuss the necessary work that needs to be done to upgrade the facility,” McKenzie stated.

He emphasised that while the full restoration of Falmouth will require time, the immediate measures now under way are essential to sustaining the town’s operations as recovery progresses.

- JIS News

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