FALMOUTH, Trelawny — Mayor of Falmouth Councillor C Junior Gager is urging all individuals, churches, businesses and hoteliers undertaking reconstruction after the passage of Hurricane Melissa to ensure that building applications are submitted to the Trelawny Municipal Corporation (TMC) for approval before work begins.

He was speaking during the municipal corporation’s regular monthly meeting on Thursday, held at a section of the Falmouth Artisan Village now serving as the temporary home of the local authority following extensive damage to the historic Falmouth Courthouse during the hurricane.

Gager underscored that while the municipality understands the urgency to rebuild, regulations cannot be ignored.

“We remind everyone that applications for building must come to the planning department. We understand that many churches, businesses and homes were damaged and people want to build back quickly. But let me remind you that there are still regulations,” the mayor cautioned.

Gager was particularly firm in his appeal to churches, noting their responsibility for the well-being of worshippers.

“It is more important that churches come in, because you have your congregation and they must be safe. If you construct a building that the technical team hasn’t examined, to make sure that your steelwork and everything is right, then we can have another disaster,” he warned.

The mayor pointed out that while churches may request partial waivers or a reduction in fees, as is customary, none are exempt from the approval process.

“No one is free to just go out there and build like that. Your building must be able to stand up to the requirements of the municipal corporation,” he said.

Pointing out that churches previously granted temporary approval for structures made of plyboard have now seen those buildings destroyed, Gager underscored the need for strong, compliant construction.

“Consider if one day we have a strong wind raging from somewhere that we aren’t prepared for, and the building is full of members. Consider what will happen. So our safety for building and people really comes first,” he emphasised.

Turning his attention to the tourism sector, the mayor also invited hoteliers who sustained damage during Hurricane Melissa to come in as soon as possible to begin and complete the approval process.

“We don’t want to delay your business, but it will have to be done properly so the team knows what to do and your business can be up and running in the shortest possible time,” he said.

Gager assured that the TMC is prepared to work closely with relevant agencies — including the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the National Environment and Planning Agency — to make the process as efficient as possible.

“We will do our best, along with the various agencies, to see how best we can fast-track this exercise for your approval. But it must be done,” he insisted.

The mayor reaffirmed that, despite the challenges, the corporation remains committed to maintaining order, safeguarding public safety, and supporting residents and businesses as they recover.

What remained of Scarlett Hall Church of God in Trelawny the morning after the passage of Hurricane Melissa.