Concerns continue to mount over the building of a ramp by Fresh Oh Fresh a newly opened business place that replaced J.E. Nassief on the Dame Eugenia Charles Boulevard in Roseau. Motorist and pedestrians alike were angered at the ramp which they claim “has taken part of the road” and is creating “an obstruction”.
Mayor of Roseau Irene John is dissatisfied with the matter. “We were brought in after the facts…we were just not informed and that is not good…we should have been informed from the word go,” John said.
Pressed further for comments on the matter she declined.
According to planning regulations, the Roseau City Council ought to be informed and planning permission must be obtained and granted for such works to be undertaken. However speaking on strict conditions of anonymity since they are not authorized to speak publically on the matter, sources with first-hand information on the matter disclosed that planning permission was sort for the building of the ramp but that was “denied.”
“They applied but it was disapproved, infact what they applied for is not what they have built making it even worst,” the source stated describing the situation now as “sensitive.”
“This is a very sensitive situation right now and it is being dealt with at the highest level…it is not an easy matter right now and it’s way above the heads of those in the Planning Division,” the source remarked.
Roseau Central MP Joseph Isaac says while he is “concerned” about the situation as MP, it is now a “legal matter.”
“It is not an environmental matter; it might be a safety issue, but I need to tell you that it is a serious legal matter at this time, talk to the Minister of Planning on this matter and then you can call me back,” Isaac said.
Planning Minister Miriam Blanchard when contacted for comments called it a “legal matter” and refused to comment and or give further details.
However what many regards as “an eye sore” and breach of planning permission is not going down well with observers. “If is the poor man, planning would bull doze them and ensure that it is broken down, what is good for the goose is good for the gander, the law has been broken and Planning seems toothless to act,” the source stated.
When contacted for his comments on the matter, on Monday March 25, 2019 Karl Nassief said “I have nothing to say…you know me very well, I don’t speak to the press.”
This article is copyright © 2019 DOM767