FALMOUTH, TRELAWNY: As preliminary work for the re-development of the Falmouth Wharf gets underway, expectations are high that the US$200 million project, will serve as a catalyst towards restoring the historic Trelawny capital to its former glory.

Mayor of Falmouth, Colin Gager, told JIS News that the volume of development the project will bring to the town of Falmouth will undoubtedly have a positive effect on the economy of the town and by extension, the entire parish.

The mayor urged residents of the town, especially young people, to develop an interest in the project, and to grasp every opportunity for training in order to access the job opportunities created by the development.

preparations necessary

Gager also advised the police, health department personnel, representatives of the agricultural sector and the business community, to do the necessary preparations in order to capitalise on this "grand economic opportunity".

President of the Trelawny Chamber of Commerce, Dennis Seivewright, said the entire business community was looking forward to the project with "great anticipation".

Seivewright also encouraged citizens to prepare themselves so as to exploit the opportunities that will present themselves.

The preliminary works, which started last week, include the demolition of some structures and removal of debris and the construction of a new fisherman's beach to facilitate the relocation of the existing facility.

Construction works are expected to begin within a matter of weeks and should be completed by June 2010, after which the wharf will receive one of the world's largest cruise ships Genesis of the Sea.