FALMOUTH, Jamaica – Municipal authorities in Trelawny are escalating enforcement actions against unauthorized construction projects and delinquent commercial taxes, emphasizing public safety and regulatory compliance. Mayor Collen Gager issued a firm directive to developers during the Trelawny Municipal Corporation’s March 12 monthly assembly at Falmouth’s Artisan Village, demanding immediate regularization of all unpermitted structures.
Mayor Gager revealed that formal notices have been dispatched to multiple property owners operating without construction approvals. He warned that the Corporation would intensify monitoring efforts, with site inspections led by the CEO and Commercial Services Department personnel already underway. ‘Our Council is determined to bring every non-compliant structure into full regulatory adherence,’ Gager stated.
The urgency of building code compliance was highlighted through recent meteorological events. ‘Hurricane Melissa reminded us that climate resilience cannot be compromised,’ Gager emphasized. ‘Future storms will come, and we must construct buildings that are not only safer but fundamentally stronger.’
Parallel to building regulation efforts, the Mayor addressed outstanding tax obligations for commercial signage and billboards. He cautioned businesses against last-minute removals of long-established advertisements, urging proactive settlement of arrears. Notably, Gager adopted a conciliatory approach toward financially strained operators, affirming, ‘The Corporation welcomes dialogue with all business owners. We are ready to negotiate feasible payment arrangements—no one will be turned away.’
Concurrently, the Municipal Corporation announced a parish-wide outreach initiative to improve property tax collection. Field teams will visit Rio Bueno (March 18), Albert Town (March 19), and Duncans (March 20) to facilitate compliance and address resident inquiries.