McKenzie: First phase of Trelawny Infirmary project almost complete

Phase one of the new facility being constructed to accommodate residents and staff of the Trelawny Infirmary is expected to be completed shortly, says Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie.

Following the passage of Hurricane Melissa in October 2025, approximately 60 residents and 40 staff members of the Trelawny Infirmary were displaced after the facility sustained severe damage and was deemed unsafe for occupancy.

The displaced individuals were initially accommodated at Hague Primary School.

However, to facilitate the resumption of classes, the displaced residents and staff were subsequently relocated to the Elliston Wakeland Youth Centre in Falmouth, where they are currently being housed.

Speaking during a tour of the project site in Falmouth on Thursday, Minister McKenzie noted that significant progress has been made since his previous visit.

“The last time I was here… we were at the stage where we were just preparing the ground….. a lot of work has gone on since my last visit,” he stated.

McKenzie said consistent rainfall over the past several weeks had slowed the pace of construction, but emphasised that the foundation has now been fully laid and one unit installed.

He further informed that a team from Kingston will shortly arrive to carry out work on the remaining units—one designated for female residents and the other for male residents.

The minister explained that the works represent the first phase of the infirmary’s reconstruction.

“The second phase will include the administrative office, the washroom and the kitchen. Other facilities will come in phase two, which will be adjacent to this facility,” he further outlined. “I am very happy, very comfortable… because I am seeing the kind of progress that I anticipated,” he added.

For his part, Mayor of Falmouth, Councillor Collen Gager, welcomed the development, highlighting the stability it will provide for residents, particularly during times of disaster.

“[In future}, we won’t have to be moving [anyone], because that alone adds stress to them,” he said.

Matron of the Infirmary, Tracey-Ann Bell, noted that residents are eagerly awaiting the facility’s completion.

“Every day that I go, the residents are asking me, “How’s the house coming along?” And I tell them, just bear with us a little longer—it will soon be finished,” she shared.

- JIS News

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