PORT MARIA, St. Mary:
BOTH THE Retreat and Gayle markets in St. Mary which were closed over several months for refurbishing, were recently completed and are now ready to be occupied.
Major repairs were effected to them including the installation of new toilets.
This was noted at the monthly meeting of the St. Mary Parish Council last week Thursday.
However, concern was raised by councillors that these buildings are now not being utilised. Councillor Robert Montaque of the Caron Hall Division pointed to the move being made by the police to clear the streets of vendors in Gayle and said the market should be made available to them to sell their goods.
Councillor Leon Francis of the Retreat Division expressed his disappointment that only two stalls have been rented in the Retreat market. Mayor Fitz Nicholson and the Secretary-Manager Mr. Sheldon Peart could not be reached for comment.
Meanwhile, in response to questions from councillors, Chief Public Health Inspector Mr. Anthony Robins said the fumigation of the markets to keep rats at bay was an expensive process but that work would commence as soon as funds were available.
