Gov’t opens $1.7M market square
The government cut the ribbon for a brand new Market Square facility in Road Town yesterday, February 13 for what it described as a signature project costing the government some $1,305,314.06 to date.
Works Minister Kye Rymer said that after the addition of a bus shelter and shutters for the kiosks (stalls) are procured and installed, it is anticipated that the total expenditure will be approximately $1,700,000.
But Rymer, who has responsibility for infrastructure, said the development is well worth the investment as it is expected to foster entrepreneurship and economic growth.
“The City of Road Town has been without a market for several years, and this government ensured that this was one of our priority projects to be executed,” he stated.
Minister Rymer said the Market Square project comprises some 16 kiosks – six 10×10 feet kiosks and ten 12×12 feet kiosks. The kiosks are also equipped with sinks for hand washing and electrical power, he disclosed.
According to Rymer, the market square also features one bandstand building, which he said will serve as a localised gathering location for cultural activities and events — in addition to a bathroom building with access and accommodations for persons with disabilities.
Additionally, Rymer shared that the bus shelter will be constructed in the open area adjacent to the road with benches to accommodate up to 25 persons and serve as the central point for passengers to gather for collection by the bus operators.
No one left out
For vendors to obtain a kiosk, Minister Rymer said there is an application process that encompassed an assessment of the applicants who were evaluated on their belonger status, possession of a valid trade license, their business concept, financial viability, credit references, and applicants having no pending litigations.
Rates for the kiosks have been set at $300 and $450 but Rymer shared that some kiosks can also be had at daily rates for persons who may perhaps not be regular vendors.
“As we are an inclusive government, we have reserved a kiosk for entrepreneurs, farmers, and fisherfolks for periodic use. We welcome you to request the usage of a kiosk at a daily rate of $25 once space is available. We have also reserved a kiosk for exclusive use by our Sister Island farmers and fishermen that commute to the city with their goods,” Rymer said.
Minister Rymer said the Wickham’s Cay Development Authority will initially manage the Market Square but noted that bids will be sought for a management contract to oversee the maintenance and operation of the facilities.
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WHO IS REPRESENTING THE 4TH DISTRICT?????????
Words cannot express the pain I feel in my heart seeing our leaders flamboyantly opening this disgraceful spectacle for a market square. Lord, please replace this useless Corrupt unity government and give us honest leaders with integrity, I pray in Jesus name. I have a question for the people who attend this despicable opening ceremony. DO YOU APPROVE of government spending $1.3 million dollars on this useless exercise? God forbid.
The government really competing with itself for the worst use of government funds.
Another non-paying venture like crafts alive
The new market place is a start in the right direction. It is beautiful and adds to the ambience of the area. Do not mind the nay sayers Hon. Rymer. One other thing, utilise the space on top of the bathroom to create space for additional office space for the City Manager staff or rental as a conference room. Pleaseeeeeee…..
BVI Citizens/Residents are always complaining and never grateful for progress!!! If the market square was still looking the way it was a few months ago there will be a complaint. It is now better than it was a few months ago people are still unsatisfied. A set of ungrateful people in this place. Instead of giving Thanks you all have to find some fault. When driving by or walking by turn your damn head the other way!!
We in trouble Buddy! Each person celebrating this non productive exercise needs to be voted out because they do not have a clue. Tenants at Craft Alive supposedly owe in excess of 500k and these jokers decide to spend 1.7mil on another craft alive type venue. This is the best we got? Lawd!
That’s a lot of money buddy! Looks good, but it is far from practical.
City manager, Keep them who like to imbibe from around it.
In the next 5 to 10 years,new farmers want a place to operate, where will the Government put them.?
Das alota money mehson.
Thw city manager running her mouth bur craft alive owe not paying and 50k owe ask her wa happen trying to throughing us under the bus venders doing what they have to do…paying their rent sokeep off them she must tell the truth she need to stop rhe lasies trying their best,, she just like to be in the spotlight….ĺike she so great socaĺ city manager e**l heart.
Kye put zoe to mannage the market she gwt thins done,,she what does to help her people at peir park..
1.3 million?! I could smell a next COI smh.
I truly cant help but curse everyone of you out. Now i am not striking one blow at KYE RHYMER because he normally does great things. But i rather see that money paid for the high school wall if it had.to be done than for those little cubicles that cant lock. Are those part of chappy’ bouncy huts?when will the party begin?
How on earth did this development cost $1.3 million dollars & will add another $400k to put shutters on?!!!! That is absolutely ludicrous and whoever put that in their back pocket needs to be strung up whether it’s politician, contractor or anyone else! That is just plain theft! Yes it looks great and $25 a day is a very reasonable rate for small farmers and local vendors to pay but there will need to be a lot of cajoling to get the vendors in the current location to move there. Additionally as another typically poorly planned development in Road Town, where are the patrons supposed to park when shopping there!??? SMH!!????