The nine councillors of the Trelawny Municipal Corporation, who were sworn into office of Thursday (March 7), have been charged to unite and work together for the good of the citizens of the parish.
Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, in making the call, said the “importance of the Trelawny Municipal Corporation is not only vested in the party with the majority but also in all councillors who sit on a day-to-day basis to make decisions on behalf of the people”.
“Any false move by any side, it is the Trelawny Municipal Corporation that will fail,” he contended.
The Minister was addressing the swearing-in ceremony held at the Corporation in Falmouth.
Commending the councillors, who were elected in the February 26 Local Government Elections, the Minister said the focus going forward should be on building the island’s local government system.
For his part, re-elected Mayor of Falmouth and Councillor for the Warsop Division, Collen Gager, committed to providing “bold and courageous” leadership.
“I promise to execute the duties of this office without fear or favour, so that the town of Falmouth and the parish of Trelawny can become the best in the island of Jamaica. Indeed, it is possible, but I cannot do it alone, it takes hard work and commitment from everyone,” he said.
“Yes, I have my role to play, but so do the councillors of each division, business owners, business interests and agencies in the parish. I have my role to play, but so do the residents. We all will have to come together to make Falmouth and Trelawny great again,” the Mayor emphasised.
Councillor Gager said he is aware of the challenges faced by citizens but noted that there is opportunity for everyone to “come together to build a better, more vibrant [parish]”.