The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

A Cabinet minister yesterday said the government is eyeing a cost-effective "transformation" of both the Potter's Cay Dock as well as the Montague Ramp.

Michael Pintard, minister of agriculture and and marine resources, told Tribune Business he will tour Potter's Cay today to gain a better understanding of its layout and vendor concerns. "I will look at the layout once again with fresh eyes serving in this role to examine the produce exchange and to look at the stalls," he said.

"I am very much interested in a public-private partnership, working with the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of the Environment so we are able to look at a macro-plan for the transformation of that area in a way that is cost-effective for government and the partners we hope to enter into an agreement with."

Mr Pintard's predecessor, Renward Wells, had previously suggested that a public-private partnership (PPP) was an option being considered to revamp Potter's Cay. The Christie administration estimated it would cost $9m to overhaul the site.

"The Montague foreshore is the same thing," Mr Pintard said yesterday. "We are going to meet with the persons operating out of there to change the practices that exist. We want to make sure they have a sustainable operation to benefit their family but, similarly, they have to be responsible in how they dispose of their garbage, the conch shells etc.

"We want to assist them, but we want to make it very clear that we are going to be intolerant of the environment not being respected as well."