The Tribune

By YOURI KEMP

Tribune Business Reporter

ykemp@tribunemedia.net

A government senator yesterday pledged he will “push” to ensure any authority created to manage downtown Nassau has access to the necessary funding.

Senator Randy Rolle, the Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation’s global relations consultant, told Tribune Business the Attorney General’s Office has completed the first draft of legislation designed to create such an authority.

However, he acknowledged that there may be resistance to the potential diversion of tax income to finance such a city manager or even granting it its own revenue-raising powers. Still, the ministry plans to “push forward” with the Bill, which could potentially be brought to Parliament during the next legislative session.

“It’s going to take me in my capacity to push and say we need to get this done,” Mr Rolle told this newspaper. “I suspect that [the Ministry of] Finance may not necessarily be okay with all the provisions because nobody’s going to want to give up the taxes and other things. That may be in the draft, I suspect, and it may not be an easy sell for everyone, but I’m going to push for it.”

The Downtown Nassau Partnership (DNP), the joint public-private sector entity created to drive improvements on Bay Street and the surrounding area, lacks both municipal and revenue-raising powers to perform the work of a true municipal authority. “Not taking anything away from the DNP, but they are almost like a part-time thing,” Mr Rolle said.

“Take, for example, this water issue. I have a team working with the Water and Sewerage Corporation (WSC) seven days a week and I want this done. We’ve identified some potential opportunities, but if nobody is pushing it and following up with phone calls then it gets lost in everything else.”

Garbage collection is also a key concern for downtown Nassau. Mr Rolle, in a statement yesterday, warned downtown merchants and property owners of their responsibilities to keep their premises and the surrounding area clean.

“It is imperative to acknowledge that irresponsible waste disposal practices can precipitate the proliferation and habitation of rodents, insect pests and other vermin. Beyond the evident environmental degradation, this poses a direct threat to the health and safety of the public,” the statement said.

“In light of this pressing concern, we would like to draw your attention to the Environmental Health Service Act, Chapter 232, which delineates essential regulations to ensure a clean and healthy environment. The Environmental Health Service Act, particularly Parts III and V, underscores the prohibition of unsanitary conditions, nuisances and the fostering of vermin on premises.

“Specifically, Section 9 mandates that individuals refrain from allowing or creating conditions conducive to the breeding or harbouring of rodents, insect pests, termites or other vermin.” Mr Rolle’s statement added that non-compliance “raises alarming apprehensions with regards to environmental conservation and public health standards”.

He then proceeded to provide guidance to downtown merchants on their responsibility for proper garbage storage and the schedule for daily pick-up. “Section 20.1 outlines penalties for contravening the Act, encompassing fines and potential imprisonment for non-compliance. These punitive measures will be enforced,” Mr Rolle warned.

“In the event that you require guidance or clarification on appropriate waste management protocols or local regulations, we encourage you to liaise with the Department of Environmental Health. This department holds responsibility for the inspection process and has the authority to grant or deny final approval for Business Licences issued by the Inland Revenue.

“Your attention to this matter is not only appreciated but essential in fostering a cleaner and healthier environment for the entire community.” Mr Rolle subsequently told this newspaper: “Essentially, if there is no one leading the charge, there is no real direction. Then people are just going to do what they want.”