Local Government Minister concerned about state of Grange Hill Market

 

Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie has strongly criticised the condition of the Grange Hill Market in Westmoreland.

 

Mr. McKenzie led a tour of the facility on Wednesday.

 

He said the vendors are upset about the state of the market and the lack of attention being given to making the space more conducive for their operations.

 

Minister McKenzie was particularly concerned about the condition of the butcher house.

 

"What is the public health department of the municipality doing? Because that is in contravention of every facet of the public health regulation as it speaks to how the meat house is to be secured in order that the meat that is sold to the public is done in a proper, secure and safe manner. That is not being done," he complained.

 

The minister has requested a report on the status of the market, including any existing lease arrangements. 

 

"This is totally unacceptable and it is a pattern of the markets in Westmoreland that is of concern, serious concern, about the manner in which the markets in the parish over many years has been administered by the municipal corporation. I'm going to wait until I get the report, and whatever steps [have] to be taken, we're prepared to take those steps. Markets were not built to be leased out to private individuals. It is one of the core functions of local government to provide markets," insisted Mr. McKenzie.