LOCAL GOVERNMENT MINISTER ANNOUNCES NEW MARKET TO BE BUILT AT THE GROUNDS OF THE OLD YALLAHS MARKET IN ST. THOMAS
Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, has announced that a new Market facility will be built at the site of the former Yallahs Market in St. Thomas. At the same time, he has dismissed reports that a jerk centre is to be constructed on this land.
“I am aware of the reports to the effect that the site of the former Yallahs Market will be used to establish a jerk centre. I want to make it very clear that no consideration has been made or permission granted for any such venture. On the contrary, I am announcing that at the end of the current lease arrangements for this property in St. Thomas, it will return to the full custodianship of the Municipal Corporation, and a new Market will be established there to improve the economic and social life of Yallahs and its surrounding communities.
“I stated in the public domain in January this year, in specific relation to this same property, that any prospective land arrangement involving a local authority must be submitted to the Ministry for consideration. The Ministry of Local Government and Community Development’s Land Divestment Committee reviews these matters and makes recommendations to me as the responsible Minister for approval. In some cases, the issues involved may also require the approval of Cabinet. This remains the case. I also want to give the assurance that any use of this land will be properly approved and made public. The Ministry will not allow any deviation from the laws and policies that exist to preserve the financial integrity of the local government system.”
