Demolition of Falmouth Fishing Village Exposes Thriving Sex Trade Near School

FALMOUTH, Trelawny — The Trelawny Municipal Corporation (TMC) on Tuesday demolished several makeshift structures at the Falmouth Fishing Village, uncovering disturbing signs of a thriving sex trade operatingu dangerously close to a local school. Among the rubble of the demolished shacks, workers discovered large quantities of used condoms, indicating the illicit activities that had been taking place in the area.

The demolition, delayed by four days due to the reluctance of heavy equipment operators who feared retaliation, finally proceeded under the supervision of the parish police. A senior member of the TMC, speaking anonymously out of concern for their safety, confirmed the extent of the cleanup, describing the area as littered with evidence of illegal activities. In the days leading up to the demolition, some of the illegal occupants dismantled about six structures themselves, anticipating the TMC’s action.

Falmouth Mayor C Junior Gager emphasized the importance of monitoring the cleared site to prevent the shacks from being rebuilt. He expressed concern over the negative impact such activities had on the town’s image, particularly given the village’s proximity to Falmouth All-Age School. According to the mayor, the occupants of these structures not only contributed to the illegal sex trade but also engaged in other disruptive behaviors. This included stealing electricity, playing loud music during school hours, and defecating on the school grounds.

The Falmouth Fishing Village was initially established by the TMC and the Port Authority of Jamaica (PAJ) to support local fisherfolk. With assistance from Food For the Poor, proper facilities were built, including secure storage and bathroom facilities. However, Mayor Gager clarified that the makeshift structures, constructed with plyboard, were not part of the original plan and were occupied by individuals not associated with the fishing community.

A local fisherman who has been fishing for over two decades, confirmed that the demolished area was not used by legitimate fishermen. He stressed the need for a proper space for fishermen to store their equipment and rest before heading out to sea. Jamari argued that such a facility would be beneficial, as many fishermen return from their nighttime trips in the early morning hours and need a place to rest and store their gear.

Tuesday’s demolition marks the first time TMC has taken decisive action to clear the area, despite previous warnings. Mayor Gager assured the public that measures are in place to prevent the situation from reoccurring, with daily monitoring planned to ensure the site does not return to its previous state.