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Director of Policy and Planning for the Ministry of Tourism Mr. St. Clair Soleyn today (Tues) met with vendors on Jolly Beach to allay fears of diminished business and displacement as a result of the newly implemented beach access measures.
Among the major concerns are that of a lengthy walk for tourists from the new access area to their respective businesses, as well as the fear that Taxi Drivers will take their business elsewhere because of minimal parking and stress on their clients.
Mr. Soleyn spoke with the vendors highlighting the fact that the area is indeed privately owned by the investors, however, necessary actions were taken to provide alternate access for locals, visitors and all who ply their trade in the area.
In consideration of this and taking into account the concerns of the vendors, the government through the Ministry of Tourism will negotiate to make the transition process as smooth as possible, facilitating continued, comfortable operations.
Mr. Patrick Burnette, President of the St. John’s Taxi Association was also on hand for the discussions. Mr. Burnette urged the vendors to work with the government and investors, and make suggestions, so that an amicable solution can be reached.
Suggestions such as an expansion of the parking lot area to accommodate more taxis, as well as to allow for further drive-in access for the vendors to transport their goods were made. The vendors also made a recommendation for current operations to remain (delay construction) until April 30th (end of season), after which time they will vacate the area to allow for work to commence.
Tourism officials and members of the investment team will meet this week to discuss these suggestions with the objective that the concerns of all parties involved will be addressed.
You think the investment team would be willing to delay the beginning of construction until April? These people have strict time lines know. Why wasn’t all of this worked out before
All this wasn’t worked out before due to the fact that Mr. St.Claire Soleyn basically said the area is privately owned. What that means in my opinion is that the land owners don’t care for providing local vendors any space to sell crap to the tourists, they don’t have to and there’s nothing the government or anyone else can do about it. READ BETWEEN THE LINE YOU INCOMPETENT ANTIGUAN CLOWNS …