Dear Editor,
CONSTRUCTIVE criticism must be accepted with a deserving smile, and one must strive towards rectifying the situation, since self-criticism is just a phase of appraisal, or evaluation.This must be communicated to Mr. Royston King, who was once described as the most qualified individual to fill the vacancy of Town Clerk when the position was vacant, prior to the previous government appointing the estranged “Iron Lady”, Ms. Carol Sooba, to act in that position.

My, oh my, here we go again! Indeed, herein lies another typical example of estrangement, to the extent that the King (Royston), girded in royalty like a knight in shining armour, has stripped bare compassion and tolerance, with oppression and ingratitude passing as replacements.

Editor, the astronomical increase — by 500% — in stand rental for vendors on the Merriman Mall remains unconscionable. Likewise, the construction of stands on Orange Walk, between Robb & Regent Streets, appears from all indications to be for friends and for the rich and famous! None of the displaced vendors from Bourda Street, who willingly relocated to Orange Walk, was given preference for rental/purchase of those stands.

Maybe King’s knowledge of accountability, economics and prudent financial management would be an asset to SARU or the GRA, but definitely not to the M&CC.

By the way, what considerations are being given to the few vendors who sell basically dasheen and tannia, or the elderly woman who sells chocolate sticks, starch and salted fish? Obviously, their businesses will come to a screeching halt, since more than likely the volume of sales cannot sustain rental and profitability!

Finally, with the additional construction of stands in Orange Walk as an additional source of revenue, who is responsible for the ongoing construction between North Road and Robb Street? Did it receive approval from the Engineers’ and Sanitation Departments? This I ask since a very short distance to the northern side exists, and there is a transformer affixed to a lamp-post!

Meanwhile, with rumour circulating that chicken would be sold there, is this compatible with health regulations? And with garbage receptacles, including a compactor, being situated as permanent fixtures a few feet away, it would be prudent for the Town Clerk, via the P.R.O., to provide the relevant answers.
Respectfully yours,
LESTER SEALEY