GREAT BAY,– The commissioner responsible for economic affairs, Frans Richardson, recently met with the Indian Merchants Association (I.M.A.) as part of information gathering sessions with major stakeholders.
Representing the I.M.A. were board members Haresh Boolchand, Dayal Alwani, Adesh Baharani, Cookie Bijlani, Prakash Menghani and Damodar Rawtani.
Current concerns voiced by the I.M.A. include allocation of marketing stimulus funds, lack of sufficient parking in Philipsburg, insufficient street lighting at night, security and traffic flow in Philipsburg, specifically Front Street. In addition, the association voiced concern regarding the abandoned Mullet Bay resort premises as well as the high cost of air travel from Caribbean destinations and its impact for shoppers coming from surrounding islands.
The association further informed Commissioner Frans Richardson regarding their sentiments with regard to a shorter cruise ship season.
During the discussions, the I.M.A. proposed a number of initiatives as short-term and structural solutions to their concerns.
Among these are the encouraging of wholesaling economic activities to neighboring islands and introducing incentives for low and middle income home construction.
Also addressed was the idea to increase dialogue, I.M.A. support for community projects and integration of I.M.A. in the community.
