Tributes pour in for Falmouth mayor on birthday as TMC officials celebrate award-winning staff

Mayor of Falmouth, Councillor Collen Gager, was showered with tributes from both sides of the political divide during Thursday’s monthly meeting of the Trelawny Municipal Corporation (TMC), to mark his birthday.

Councillors unanimously praised Gager’s leadership, describing him as a firm but fair mayor who has maintained an impartial approach in carrying out his duties.

The brief celebration, which included the cutting of a birthday cake and the serving of refreshments, also saw heads of departments and representatives of various government agencies offering commendations to the mayor.

Before that, Gager turned the spotlight on two TMC officials who were recently recognised by the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development for their outstanding performance.

He congratulated Senior Internal Auditor Janel Campbell, who received an award for excellence in auditing, and Chief Executive Officer Andrew Harrison, who was honoured for his contribution to building a resilient municipal operation.

“I also wish to say congratulations to our senior internal auditor, Miss Janel Campbell, who once again received an award for excellence in auditing and the audit awards put on by the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development for their outstanding services during an awards function,” Gager said.

The mayor also reserved special praise for Harrison, whom he credited with helping to strengthen the operations of the municipal corporation since his return to the organisation a week after the passage of Hurricane Melissa on Tuesday, October 28, 2025.

“I also want to say that the number one CEO in Jamaica, Mr Andrew Harrison, was awarded in the category of building a resilient municipal operation. I want to say that this means a lot, and in fact we can see what is being done with the Trelawny Municipal Corporation, and it gives me great hope and pride that Mister Harrison came back.

“Therefore, it is for us to give him all of our support and let him do the job. So we want to congratulate you on the award that you have received. We hope that God will spare your life and allow you to be around us, and we want to tell you we appreciate you,” Gager stated.

The awards formed part of the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development’s observance of Internal Audit Awareness Month in May. During the month, the ministry’s Internal Audit Unit hosts award ceremonies and capacity-building workshops aimed at highlighting the critical role auditors play in promoting accountability, transparency and good governance across Jamaica’s municipal corporations.

The recognition of Campbell and Harrison added another reason for celebration during a meeting that not only honoured the mayor on his birthday but also highlighted the achievements of key members of the Trelawny Municipal Corporation.