FALMOUTH, Trelawny — Following an extensive five-hour tour of Falmouth, Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Desmond McKenzie, described the state of the historic town’s infrastructure as “frightening.” The assessment comes in the wake of Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm that wreaked unprecedented havoc across Jamaica, leaving Falmouth in ruins. McKenzie drew parallels between the devastation in Falmouth and the severely impacted capital of St. Elizabeth, Black River, noting that the only advantage Falmouth holds is its ongoing commercial activity. However, the extensive damage to infrastructure remains a grave concern. One of the most distressing sights was the Falmouth Infirmary, which once housed over 100 residents and staff. McKenzie emphasized that the facility is now uninhabitable, and alternative arrangements are being explored to accommodate its former occupants. In contrast, the nearby drop-in center and shelter fared better, sustaining only minor damage and already providing refuge to several individuals. McKenzie also highlighted the severe damage to Falmouth’s famed Georgian architecture, particularly the Falmouth Court House, which serves as the headquarters of the Trelawny Municipal Corporation. He stressed the need to engage with the Minister of Culture to address the restoration of heritage buildings, acknowledging that repairs may not meet current standards due to the extent of the damage. Mayor of Falmouth, C Junior Gager, echoed these concerns, noting the destruction of the main municipal building and suggesting that constructing a new facility on alternative land might be more practical than restoration. Despite the devastation, McKenzie commended the resilience of the Jamaica Fire Brigade in Falmouth, who continue to operate under challenging conditions, even as some firefighters have lost their homes. The minister’s tour is part of the government’s broader damage assessment and emergency relief efforts in areas hardest hit by Hurricane Melissa.