Gov’t working out ‘issues’ to repair Salt Island dock
This was one of many concerns raised by residents at the First District meeting called by its Representative and Premier and Minister of Finance Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1) at the Leonora Delville Primary School in Cappoons Bay on September 5, 2021.
The dock on Salt Island was destroyed during the passage of hurricane Irma in 2017 and to date access to the island remains a challenge.
The island, with its salt ponds, is considered a tourist site as well as camping grounds.
The matter of the dock was put to the Government by one resident who identified herself as a descendant of Salt Island.
Issues to be worked out
While noting that’s a matter that falls under Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley (R9), who was not present at the meeting, Premier Fahie said, “There were some issues that had to be worked out to make sure that they do not end up in the legal domain.”
“I will put it that way and say that it’s being worked out to make sure that we come with a common understanding,” adding that at the time he couldn’t confirm how close the government was to finalising the “common understanding” but promised residents that he would consult with Hon Wheatley for an update, which will be made public.
“But I know for a fact that was one of the major areas that is being ironed out,” Premier Fahie said.
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11 Responses to “Gov’t working out ‘issues’ to repair Salt Island dock”
This is not shocking news though, for Salt Islanders, a forgotten people, historically got little to no assistance from government in regards to services. They had to fend for themselves. One contributing factor, perhaps, why there are no permanent residents on Salt Island, for families had to migrate to prepare their children for the world of work, living and surviving. With no voters, Salt Island is not a top priority. Salt Island supposedly is in D-4 and along with the D-4 Rep and 4 At Large Reps there are 5 elected members that descendants should be able take their concerns and interests to. By the way, descendants do vote in all 9 districts. Nonetheless, a critical infrastructure issue had to be raised in D-1. Someone much smarter than me coined the phrase: the more things change, the more they stay the same. History, culture, heritage…..etc are dying on the vine. The old is being neglected and traded for the new and that of others. Politicians master the art of overpromising and underdelivering. Let’s see what happens with the dock. Salt Island needs more than a dock though.