FALMOUTH, Trelawny — Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Desmond Mckenzie summed up the state of Falmouth’s infrastructure following an almost five-hour tour of the historic capital on Saturday, as “frightening”.

This tour follows the passage of Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 hurricane — the strongest ever to strike Jamaica — that left behind a trail of ruin in the historic seaside town, which McKenzie compared with the devastated capital of St Elizabeth, Black River.

“If I am to make a comparison with Falmouth and Black River, the only thing that Falmouth has over Black River is that there are commercial activities taking place,” McKenzie said.

“But the extent of the damage to the infrastructure of Falmouth is frightening,” McKenzie added.

He said one of the most heartbreaking sights was the Falmouth Infirmary, which once housed more than 100 residents and staff.

“There is no way that that infirmary will be able, anytime soon, to take back the residents who used to occupy it. We are now looking at what alternative arrangements can be made to house them,” McKenzie lamented.

He noted however that the nearby drop-in centre and shelter fared much better.

“It is in excellent condition. Only a few broken windows and doors, but it’s in good shape, and a number of persons are already being housed there,” said McKenzie.

Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie (right) surveys the broken down seawall at the premises of the Trelawny Infirmary in Falmouth on Saturday. Looking are, Mayor of Falmouth C Junior Gager (left) and Kayon Hall, superintendent of roads and works at the Trelawny Municipal Corporation.

Turning his attention to the town’s famed Georgian architecture, McKenzie said the Falmouth Court House building, which housed the headquarters of the Trelawny

Municipal Corporation (TMC) — one of the oldest buildings in Trelawny — had suffered serious damage.

 “I think the time has come when I will have to engage  Minister [Olivia] Grange, who is the minister of culture, to speak about the question of Falmouth and buildings which are protected by the National Heritage Trust. It is clear that if any of these buildings are to be repaired, it cannot be to the same standards that are now set, because of the existing conditions,” he added.

Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie (left) makes a point to Mayor of Falmouth Councillor C Junior Gager during a tour of the Trelawny Infirmary in Falmouth on Saturday

In the meantime, Mayor of Falmouth and chairman of the TMC, C Junior Gager, lamented the extensive loss suffered in the town as he pointed out that the main municipal building was destroyed.

According to Gager, it may not be practical to invest the large sums needed to restore that building and suggested that the authorities may instead have to identify new land and construct a replacement facility.

Meanwhile, McKenzie commended members of the Jamaica Fire Brigade in Falmouth, who continue to operate under challenging conditions.

“Everywhere I’ve been in Falmouth from this (Saturday) morning is total devastation,” McKenzie said.

“But I want to commend the firefighters, under trying circumstances they are still operating,” he added.

McKenzie revealed that several firefighters have lost their homes but continue to serve their community despite personal hardship.

“When I look at the firefighters who have to be living out of the fire station because they have lost their homes and are separated from their families — that is the kind of Jamaica we want,” McKenzie declared.

“People who make sacrifices and work, even despite their challenges,” added McKenzie.

The minister’s tour of Falmouth was part of the Government’s damage assessment exercise across parishes hardest hit by Hurricane Melissa, as emergency relief and rebuilding efforts intensify.