Falmouth Mayor Banks on New Projects to Curb Crime Through Jobs

Aware that rising crime could tarnish Falmouth's standing as the hub of Jamaica's cruise shipping industry, the town's mayor is pinning his hopes on a wave of upcoming developments to broaden the local job market.

Councillor Colin Gager, who heads the Trelawny parish capital, says several initiatives in the pipeline should give residents legitimate avenues for income and reduce the pull of criminal activity.

"We have a number of upcoming projects in the pipeline, and I am hoping that it will help to create more employment opportunities for the people," Gager said. "We are hoping to use the opportunity for gainful employment to pull people away from crime."

Among the developments cited are the refurbishment of the Albert George Market, an expansion of the Falmouth Pier, the establishment of an artisan village, and the construction of additional hotel properties.

Gager emphasised that the parish council intends to take a proactive stance against the recent uptick in offences.

"We are very serious about creating a much safer environment because that is the way we are going to curb the upsurge in crime," he said. "We can't just be waiting and hoping that it will go away. We have to do something about it."