Falmouth poised to get ‘drop in’ centre

WESTERN BUREAU:

Plans are in train for the construction of a drop-in centre for street people on lands owned by the Trelawny Municipal Corporation adjacent to the Elliston Wakeland Centre on Victoria Street in Falmouth, Trelawny.

The announcement was made by Falmouth's mayor, Councillor Colin Gager, who stated that such a facility was much-needed and that he was looking forward to its completion with much anxiety.

"The municipality has received funding from the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, so we are looking to commence construction shortly," explained Gager.

According to Gager, in addition to funding from the corporation, the Tourism Product Development Company has provided additional funding. He said that steps would be taken to ensure that the building conforms to the desired standard.

"It will not be a place for them to sleep," explained Gager. "The building will be equipped with bathrooms for both males and females. A nurses' station will be there, so they will be able to have medication administered and a hot meal will be served."

Gager said that at present, officers from the Trelawny Public Health Department visit the street people, wherever they are located, and provide medication as required.

"Under the proposed arrangement, the street people will be able to get their medication administered at a set location, the drop-in centre," said Gager.

The management of the newly opened KFC outlet in Falmouth is on board with the plans and is looking forward to providing meals for the street people.

"As part of our corporate responsibility, we will be providing meals to the street people," said Andrei Roper, the KFC brand manager in Falmouth. We are happy that a drop-in centre is being constructed because like in other parts of the country, we want our involvement to be properly regulated."