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Wholesalers Make Moves At The Market
posted (August 12, 2011)
The seemingly never ending saga at the Michael Finnegan market might just be coming to an end. For months, wholesale farmers have been in a protracted battle with the city council for a permanent place to call home and sell their goods without what they call undue harassment from council officials.

Now, the farmers says they have found their own fix. A new move by the farmers is expected to improve the conditions in which they operate, addressing issues such as adequate space, security, parking , health and sanitation, opening hours and bathroom facilities.

Today, at an impromptu press conference held at the old Novelo's Bus depot, the executive of the newly formed Farmers Vendors Association announced this latest move.

Oscar Pollard - Secretary, Farmers Vendors Association
"The reason for this press conference today, is two-fold. It is to inform the people of Belize City, the nearby community, and the country, that the Farmers Vendors Association will be relocating to the Pound Yard Area, which once housed the temporary market, with effect from August 14, 2011, at 3 p.m. In keeping with the continued cooperation of the Belize City Council, this move came about as a result of a). to alleviate the traffic congestion on West Collet Canal and Hiccatee Street, b). to provide more healty produce to the consumer, c). to provide a more appropriate business environment to the vendors and consumer, d). to allow the vendors of the Michael Finnegan Market to have profitable business atmosphere, d). to work in collaboration with the Ministry of Health to deliver healty produce to the consumer, and to adhere to their rules and condition, and e). to allow the Ministry of Works to be able their proposed canal rehabilitation project."


Jim McFadzean
"Mr. Hyde, How has the Council responded to this move independently of them to relocate to the compound here?"

Alvin Hyde Jr. - Chairman, Farmers Vendors Association
"Well, we met with Mr. Willoughby yesterday evening, and he told us that we could go ahead and conduct our business. He said that the Council have nothing against us, the members of the Association, to come here, set up, and carry on business."

Andrea Polanco - Channel 5 News
"So does this mean that you guys won't have to pay that daily fee to the City Council?"

Alvin Hyde Jr.
No, we don't have to pay that any daily fees to the council." We made attempts to contact Councilor Phillip Willoughby to confirm whether that is true, but were unable to reach him. The association is 85 members strong, and if all goes well, they should be able to occupy their new location at the Pound Yard effective, this Sunday, August 14th.

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