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by pltm
(PLTM) - Premier and Minister for Finance Hon. Andrew Fahie has announced that plans are already afoot to construct new markets on Virgin Gorda and Carrot Bay to compliment the soon to be built Road Town Market Square.
The Premier gave that indication on Monday, October 12, during the official groundbreaking ceremony of the Road Town Market Square.
“This market square is an important one as we preserve our cultural history. We are going to continue this same kind of market. We have similar things planned for the Virgin Gorda market square,” he remarked.
He said plans are already drawn for that project on the sister island.
As for the Carrot Bay landfill area where the market is situated, he said the plans for that is underway as well and “We will have a public meeting in Carrot Bay in the near future to get the input of the people.”
Happy to have a permanent home
He continued: “When they reach the capital, they must know that they are in a capital and when they reach to this area they must recognize that there is something special about this market. It cannot just be another site as it was allowed to be over the last few years.”
Similar sentiments were echoed by City Manager Janice Brathwaite-Edwards.
She said the market has moved four times.
She explained: “The first, was at Sir Olva Georges Plaza, the second location was where the Muslims used to have their service in Shirley’s yard. The third location was up at the bandstand, and the fourth location is on this piece of Wickham’s Cay land that was called the lagoon in the days before you could not reach it unless you pass through an underground channel that flowed from Lower Estate Sugar Works to this area. The market is going to be in a permanent location where all could come, see, trade and do business in the market square.”
More About The Project
In the meantime, Minister for Transportation, Works and Utilities Kye Rymer said, the project was a long-awaited one.
“This transformation is something we have been working on for quite some time now, and there are many milestones that we have crossed. Upon completion of this facility, patrons will be able to enjoy a 16 kiosks shopping splendor, accompanied by a gazebo, green spaces, restrooms, a bus depot and local monumental artifacts,” he said.
He added, “Soon this place will be vibrant with the sounds of music, celebration and community gatherings, fresh produce and a variety of food and retail items.”
The project is scheduled to be completed in nine months’ time.
Fourth District Representative Mark Vanterpool who also delivered remarks commended the government for the undertaking in his district and continuing the work that he started when he was the portfolio minister responsible for works.
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