The Tribune

By LEANDRA ROLLE

Tribune Staff Reporter

lrolle@tribunemedia.net

AGRICULTURE, Marine Resources and Family Island Affairs Minister Clay Sweeting said his ministry has collected more than $30,000 in rental fees and arrears from vendors at Potter’s Cay Dock between January and April this year.

Mr Sweeting, who has responsibility for the administration of public markets, said during his Budget contribution yesterday: “The payment of these fees are essential as they offset some of the cost that we incur for providing the necessary government services.”

He also said his ministry plans to partner with the Ministry of Works and Utilities to pave the causeway at Potter’s Cay to allow for smoother traffic flow.

Concerning vendors at Arawak Cay, he said his ministry was partnering with vendors to bring their leases up to date as well as regularise those who have been subleasing for an extended period of time.

Regarding the market at Gladstone Road, he said a number of upgrades at the market remain underway

“We want to construct semi-permanent stalls to house vendors and these stalls will serve multiple purposes, as they will also be used for the ministry’s annual Agri-fest, which takes place at that site,” he said in the House of Assembly.

He said the government also plans to restructure the stalls at Montagu ramp, adding “these plans would take on a multi-governmental approach” that includes building semi-permanent stalls that can withstand hurricanes and restructuring the seawall to address water surges, among other things.

Mr Sweeting said the government is transforming the Blue Hill Road Farmers Market into a “wholesome space” that represents the spirit and people of Golden Gates.

“As we move to further develop this market, it is our intention to construct an administration building to house the market manager and staff,” he said. “We also intend to address stall design and layout, landscaping and fencing needs, amongst other things. There is also the need to construct restroom facilities at this market as no such facilities presently exist.”

“Rental leases will have to be prepared and executed as we bring this public market in line with markets across New Providence. We intend to provide for daily collection and disposal of garbage, as well as provide security services. There is much work to be done at this market and the partnership forged to see this to fruition continues to speak to the teamwork that exists among colleagues of this administration.”