I read this article with interest and wondered why the Food Court had become such an ongoing issue. Some fifty (50) and more years ago, the area had five (5) buildings The Factory, Wall Blake Estate, The Doctor’s Residence, The Valley Boys School, and St Mary’s Anglican Church. Look at the development in the area today. Development brings changes.
The Food Court business operates seven days a week. Although it appears to be a small operation these business owners have invested time and money.
Noise (including loud music) can and will always be an issue at St. Mary’s Anglican Church, St Gerard’s Roman Catholic Church and the nearby villages during these times and events: 1st week in August – Carnival week at Landsome Bowl Cultural Centre – 11 days; Heavy equipment, trucks and other vehicles driving on the main road – 7 days; and operation of the Food Court – seven days.
The owners of the food stalls need to know the time when services and other functions are held at both churches. Do not take it for granted that the owners know this information. Some people are not churchgoers.
Financial Gain from Food Court: Local shopkeepers benefit from the sale of goods when these food stall owners purchase groceries and other necessities to run their business; the Government also benefit (payment of duties) when these business owners purchase groceries and other necessities off island.
Water and Sanitary Facilities: The Food Court only has portable temporary toilets. These portable toilets should not become permanent. Portable toilets are both unsanitary and an eyesore especially during the day. The portable toilets should at the very least: have a hand washing area; a custodian to ensure the toilet areas are kept clean, tidy, and deodorized; emptied when full so there will be no sewage smell and contamination of surrounding areas, especially the eating areas. The toilets should be situated at the correct distance from the Food Court and in lighted visible areas.
Yes! Water and sanitary facilities are a MUST, not only at the Food Court but at the Peoples Market and the Ronald Webster’s Parking Lot.
Now is the appropriate time for discussions on the need for well-kept public toilets in The Valley area, not only for the patrons of the Food Court but also for the many tourists and other visitors who frequent The Valley (our main town/city) area in general.
Other Problems and Considerations: Activities at the Food Court as well as during carnival time create parking and traffic problems in the area – music usually attracts large crowds. The Food Court area is a place where family, friends and visitors alike go and relax either after a hard day’s work or after being at home all day. The question the Government must ask is: What is best for such a facility? In answering that question consideration must be given to the following:
Do you want a town with public and private offices and businesses open until 5pm – 5 to 6 days a week? Do you want a sleepy town with no activity after 5pm – 7 days a week? Do you want economic activity (which will be generated by the existence and operation of The Food Court) – 7 days a week? These issues and other considerations should be addressed through dialogue followed by written policies, procedures and guidelines which both stall owners and the general public must follow.
One sure thing is that the large gatherings generated by The Food Court and the related activities make the area look like a busy town. With a little organization including some flowers, plants, beautification, proper sanitary facilities, good hygienic conditions, etc., The Valley will begin to take shape as a real TOWN.
A concerned citizen
