The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and the Blue Economy has stated that the Payne’s Bay Market is not for sale.
Minister with responsibility for fish markets, Kirk Humphrey, made this clear in a statement issued by the Ministry over the weekend, as he addressed matters relating to the refurbishment of the market.
Mr. Humphrey explained that the refurbishment at Payne’s Bay was “part of a continuous process of upgrading all the markets so as to ensure staff and vendors are operating in a modern environment that meets the international phytosanitary standards that guide this industry. “There is no, or never was there any plan to sell the Payne’s Bay Market”.
The Minister noted that further to the temporary closure of the Payne’s Bay Market due to roadworks on Highway One, the facility will be undergoing repairs from this month, and these are expected to conclude by September 30.
He added that the vendors and staff in the market have been afforded the opportunity to conduct their business from other markets.
Furthermore, persons are reminded that they should first seek permission from the Senior Manager of Markets in the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and the Blue Economy, before selling on the compound of fish markets.