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March 16, 2006 – In a letter to Governor Turnbull, Senate President Lorraine L. Berry requested the administration to develop a location within the soon-to-be rehabilitated Rothschild Francis Market Square for the fishermen to sell their catches. Berry noted thus far no provisions have been made for the fishermen in the current plan and that the exclusion of fishermen and their needs from this design plan is "unacceptable". She also stated, "Agricultural produce and fish sales at the Square complement one another by providing a greater variety for the consumer thus enhancing the convenience of this centuries old commercial center".
Berry also contended she is very concerned about the prevailing misinformation surrounding this project. Berry noted she attended the February 15th meeting at Christ Church Methodist where Commissioner Lewis of the Department of Agriculture revealed that fishermen would not be permitted to return to the site and then read an article in The Avis on Wednesday, March 15th wherein the Department of Agriculture stated that the fishermen are not under their purview. The article also stated, the Department of Agriculture was not "ignoring" the fishermen's pleas but rather waiting to address them when the project is complete. To this Berry stated it is more productive to hear out the fishermen before it is too late. Berry urged another meeting be held to inform all stakeholders of this project disclosing the real intent of this project and who will be using the area. In conclusion Berry pointed out that historically, through the last century, fishermen and farmers stood side by side, selling their wares together and creating a special ambience that was part of our everyday life.
"One should think very carefully before destroying a tradition that has so much meaning to the community," warned the Senate President.
