L-Bay-Development-Marine-Village
Business Owners in the Little Bay beach front area are concerned about the Montserrat Development Corporation MDC’s announcement that all establishments in the area should be closed by the end of this month.
ZJB News reports that the MDC’s Chief Executive Officer Mr. Ivan Brown said that the businesses in the Little Bay Beach area have been given a closing deadline of January 31, 2014.
Tom Walker, owner of Soca Cabana, one of the affected businesses, believes the closure of the establishments in the Little Bay beach front area will have a significant impact on nightlife in Montserrat. “I think the MDC’s mission has been to encourage local businesses to help them grow and it seems to me at this time with the economy the way it is, this is no time to be closing businesses. This is not time to be killing companies and putting people out of business…” Walker contended.
Mr. Walker was particularly concerned about the impact of the Montserrat Idol competition which lasts 9 weeks. The Montserrat Idol competition gives several aspiring vocalists a chance to showcase their vocal skills and capture the title Montserrat Idol. The competition is in its fourth season.
One of the owners of the well-known club and bar – Race Track told ZJB News, that they ceased operations earlier this month. According to the report the owners indicated they have made numerous attempts to relocate Race Track to another area. According to him, they submitted several proposals at the invitation of the MDC yet despite making amendments as directed by the MDC, their proposals were rejected.
Race Track is considered the premier entertainment spot at night especially at weekends on Montserrat all year round. The spokesperson also supports Mr. Walker’s view that the closure of the businesses will impact night life on Montserrat.
Leader of the Opposition, Donaldson Romeo met with business operators in Little Bay area to hear the views and concern of the proprietors following letter from MDC. He says he intends to meet with the Honourable Premier and expects him to act in the interests of all parties.
Romeo disclosed that the meeting was convened to hear the views and concerns of the proprietors, following a recent letter from the Montserrat Development Corporation, MDC. That letter he said, “Instructed the business owners to close and remove their establishments from the Little Bay area by January 31.”
Little Bay Beach area
He reported that the meeting was attended by business owners at the Little Bay Beach front and included Eddie’s Trucking Limited and Lab Blocks.
ZJB reported speaking to Arthur Meade, proprietor of the Green Monkey Dive Shop Arthur Meade, who said he has no problem leaving the site, but says, “if what they want to do is make the site look good, fit me in somewhere,” on the grounds that he has been there for quite some time now, adding, “I have served the people well”. Meade also agrees that it would be bad for business and the service along with the entertainment provided in the area.
According to Romeo, CEO of the MDC Ivan Browne indicated that they are moving ahead with plans to construct a hotel at Little Bay and investors are soon expected to come and look at the site. He reported Browne to say, that it is against this background that the proprietors have until January 31, 2014 to move their buildings.
Romeo said however that he would have little to say until after he has spoken to the Premier, when he will disclose what further action he would propose on the matter.
Meantime Race Track Owners have reportedly said that because of the level of frustration, they have all but given up, having made numerous attempts to relocate Race Track to another area.
One owner says they have sent several proposals to the Montserrat Development Corporation, MDC to lease one of the buildings they have advertised in the Little Bay area, but they have been unsuccessful on each attempt.
L-Bay-Development-Marine-Village-
2014-01-20
Photos – Marine Village pics
