BY PRECIOUS MIRACLE KARGBO
In an attempt to tackle the concerns voiced by beach bar owners and navigate the challenges confronting their establishments, the Ministry of Tourism orchestrated a special meeting on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at its principal office.
The gathering, graced by beach bar proprietors, ministry officials, and Deputy Minister of Tourism Madam Kamara, aimed at deliberating on the reformation of beach bars, laying down prerequisites, and establishing deadlines for adherence.
The session commenced with prayers from representatives of religious factions, setting a tone of positivity and inclusivity for the discussions. The executive director affiliated with the ministry underscored the meeting’s objective of evaluating the grievances raised by beach bar owners. He acknowledged the plethora of presentations submitted by owners, proposing collaborative strategies with the ministry to tackle the challenges besieging their businesses.
Moreover, he emphasized that the honorable minister had set forth deadlines for all bar owners to comply, underscoring the urgency for both parties to chart a mutually beneficial path forward.
In the course of the meeting, Miss Fatmata, the General Manager of the Tourism Board, clarified that the recent demolition of beach bars at Lumley beach was not instigated by the board but rather was a consequence of a governmental decision. She elucidated that while the Tourism Board serves as the monitoring and implementing partner, it lacks the autonomy to independently enforce restrictions.
Miss Fatmata elaborated on the ongoing restructuring process, citing the demolition of approximately 36 beach bars due to various factors. She disclosed that affected bar owners had been furnished with a community plan mandating the removal of their establishments. Despite claims of non-receipt of the letter by some owners, they had reported the issue to the ministry, contending that their bars were situated on government property.
Furthermore, Miss Fatmata informed attendees that the Ministry of Tourism had received 66 applications for spots at Lumley beach in accordance with the rules and regulations of the tourism act. The selection process had progressed through the first and second phases, with the third batch currently under review. Notifications of status were dispatched to applicants on March 13, 2024, with an extended deadline of one month to fulfill all ministry requirements.
During the meeting, beach bar owners voiced apprehensions regarding the challenges encountered in restructuring to meet the ministry’s conditions. They expressed commitment to comply with all stipulated requirements while petitioning the ministry for an extension of the deadline to ensure thorough adherence.
In response, Miss Fatmata assured owners that those falling short of requirements would be notified before the deadline. She urged all owners to meticulously adhere to the restructuring guidelines and pledged to relay their concerns to the Minister of Tourism for further deliberation.
As the deadline looms, beach bar owners affirmed their relentless efforts to meet ministry requirements, hopeful for a positive resolution securing the future of their businesses on the scenic shores of Lumley beach.