Dear Commissioner James,
This is with respect to the abovementioned subject, which was sent out to the media on May 4, 2020, at approximately 15:00h which stated that from May 5, 2020, at 06:00 am, the Railway Embankment between UG Road and Conversation Tree, Bel Air, will be closed to vehicular traffic. It further stated persons proceeding to Caricom Secretariat and persons residing to the east of the Convention Centre will be given access to enter the Embankment from UG Road, while persons residing to the west will be given access from Bel Air.
The Giftland Mall, as you’re aware, resides between the Convention Centre and the Caricom Secretariat and since the impact of COVID-19, FoodMaxx and Shoppers Pharmacy have provided essential services and are open from 09:00h to 17:00h daily to accommodate customers.
These traffic regulations which seem to be catering for the national recount personnel will put us to a great disadvantage. For customers and staff, we are kindly requesting that you reconsider this closure in line with previous security arrangements for events at the Arthur Chung Centre where provisions were made to allow traffic to the Giftland Mall.
This road closure could bring hardship to the thousands of daily travellers traversing the roads and is potentially a health impediment to safe travel.
We are kindly asking for our customers and staff to be given access from UG Road to the Giftland Mall. Employment at the Mall still covers the welfare of 200-plus families, who will be affected if this road closure is maintained, ensuring that there is 100 per cent certainty of putting these families on the breadline.
We have spoken to the Senior Police Superintendent who advised us that only you can authorise the opening of the road to allow traffic to our Mall, I am kindly requesting your assistance in this matter.
I am available for a meeting at your convenience.
Thank you in advance for your usual corporation.
Respectfully yours,
Kenon Sutherland,
Deputy Head of Security
Giftland Group of Companies
The Foodmaxx Supermarket
MCG Investments Inc
