by CARLOS ATWELL

CHRIST CHURCH SOUTH MP Jerome Walcott has again dismissed allegations levelled against the Bay Gardens development project in Oistins, Christ Church, as "ludicrous".

He was giving an update on the project on Sunday at the Barbados Labour Party's (BLP) Christ Church South annual general branch meeting, held in St Lawrence Primary School.

He said claims they were relocating the vendors to the area behind Granny's in order to set up white businessmen were simply untrue.

"The BLP has been pivotal in the transformation of Oistins and we have no plan to disadvantage the vendors whom we helped put there in the first place," he said.

This was not the first time Walcott, who is also Minister of Health, has had to dismiss such claims, as far bck as 2004 Oistins Fish Festival he called similar rumours that vendors in the Bay Garden were going to be displaced to bring in outside business interests, as "vicious, malicious and mischievous".

Work planned

He also expressed frustration and disappointment in some members of the branch who he said were also asking questions about the development, in spite of his repeated updates on the work being planned.

"Government is mindful of the importance of Oistins and we are committed to upgrade the market facilities. The funds are available, the plans are in place and they will be implemented," he said.

The minister outlined new vendor kiosks, covered walkways, covered and uncovered dining areas, a gazebo, public restrooms, vehicular access to the beach, a central garbage storage, a grease trap system and a car park for taxis as just a few of the planned renovations which would take place as part of the project.

He said the hold-up thus far in the process was gaining permission from the Town and Country Planning Department to start construction, but they planned to have the temporary vendors area completed by January.

The Bay Gardens project, which is being undertaken by the Barbados Tourism Investment Inc., is scheduled to begin next month.