Preliminary report on probe of Spaldings Market saga expected today

A preliminary report is to be submitted Monday on the initial findings of an investigative team from the Ministry of Local Government, which conducted a probe into the unauthorized construction of shops at the Spalding Market. The report will be submitted to Noel Arscott, Minister of Local Government.This follows a near six week investigation.

“The team has now prepared a preliminary report and I’m expected to get that report Monday. From there on, I will determine what to do going forward,” said Mr. Arscott.

A team comprising senior officials of the Local Government Ministry was assembled on April 12 to, among other things, collect all relevant information concerning the building of the shops. Mr. Arscott has promised to make the findings public.

The construction of  the shops is also being investigated by the Office of the Contractor-General. Controversy has been swirling since it was revealed in early April that the 10 shops were built at the rear of the market and rented to vendors without permission from the Clarendon Parish Council. Rental fees were paid to someone in the office of Member of  Parliament for North West Clarendon Richard Azan. There have been calls for Mr. Azan to either resign or be fired.    

However, the Cabinet has thrown its support behind Mr. Azan, indicating that he will remain in his position as a Junior Minister, pending the outcome of the investigations.