Dear Editor,
Permit me to convey some thoughts to our Minister of Economic Affairs Melissa Arrindell-Doncher with the expectation that she would examine the content from a wide-ranging perspective.
At the onset: to stay away from the press briefings gives the impression that your ministry has distanced itself from the population. It is quite understandable that you will not be able to attend all of the meetings. If this is the case, then consider delegating someone so that your substitute can relay the information to the people.
Over the years, the island has not been privileged to have had a minister whose vision encompasses the economic development for all peoples nor has any one of them provided an even distribution of the various businesses. This imbalance that spreads throughout the island is destroying the authenticity of the environment which is creating animosity and frustration towards government.
At present, the island is overrun by snack bars, coffee shops and restaurants. It is amazing how government is still cash strapped with so many vibrant businesses. Not every request needs a favourable response. A reply should be based on the incentive that the business is bringing to the overall development of the country. When would there be a halt on these types of establishments that are consistently polluting the air with excessive noise? Frankly, when will enough be enough?
Besides, if the island is saturated with these types of businesses now where do the possibilities lie for the youngsters who are following culinary courses at NIPA or abroad? What would happen to them if they decide to establish individual restaurants to promote the island’s culture? Should their education be limited to just being employees earning meagre salaries, or would they be offered the same opportunity to invest and elevate the tourism product?
With regard to mechanic shops – when will the Department of Economic Affairs take the public into consideration before issuing these licences? All over the place one can see garages right next to restaurants and in the middle of densely populated areas. This is execution without vision, when the smut tends to land any and everywhere. On top of that, the thrilling sound of the machineries is also very disturbing when mechanics choose to work on Sundays and holidays; the only rest day that most of us have.
On the matter of holidays – there needs to be some serious reconsideration regarding restricting businesses to close on just a few designated holidays. Instead, every single holiday should be respected; therefore, all establishments should be closed. This preference that is given to bars and restaurants is utter nonsense because only then the noise escalates and employees become burnt out. It also contributes directly to the downfall of the family because some mothers have to neglect their children and careless fathers spend the day drinking booze.
Another upsetting issue is to hear the cries of the guests that come to our shores; even those with vacation homes. Several of them have openly expressed their dissatisfaction regarding time share owners and their disgust with the noise pollution. The complaints are occurring too often, and to ignore them is a form of depleting the genuineness of our tourism product. This is not good customer service at all. We must always safeguard the product that is offered to the guests, as the experience is far more important than the physical beauty of the land. Perhaps it should become mandatory for these businesses to install a sound proof system.
The rapid escalation of prices in grocery stores appear to be the concern of just the small man because politicians have the means to buy, no matter the cost. How long will the people continue to suffer while government allows grocery owners to do whatever they please, not realizing the adverse effect that this situation is having on the budget? Speaking of groceries, not enough items are included under the category of “basic needs.” This is an area that requires some serious attention.
Minister Arrindell-Doncher, in order to execute your task from the premise of serving the people, I implore you to use wisdom and take a page from our honourable Ombudsman Nilda Lynch-Arduin. The cries of the people are what will direct you to enact change, but it all begins with listening!
Joslyn Morton
