Govt: Planning Approval Given For Restaurant
Minister of Home Affairs Walter Roban today “confirmed that Mr. Marico Thomas has been formally advised of the Planning Approval for his restaurant,” adding that they hope that the “development can now move forward for the benefit of the community.”
This follows after Mr Thomas expressed frustration, saying that the Pub On The Square location in St George’s is one year late to open” and said that he was considering putting the building up for sale.
The Minister said, “The Ministry of Home Affairs is extremely supportive of local businesses and entrepreneurs investing in Bermuda’s people and local economy. Mr. Thomas’, passion for adding to Bermuda’s restaurant product and expanding opportunities for employment in the areas of hospitality is exactly what we aim to encourage.”
A Ministry spokesperson “confirmed that since the events of last Thursday, the Minister of Home Affairs has reviewed why there was a delay in Mr. Thomas receiving notification of the approval, and the Ministry has advised that the issue was due to an administrative backlog.
“Acknowledging that there were some challenges through this entire project, the Ministry stressed that any planning approval for any development, whether it be private or commercial is a process.
“The Ministry also stressed that the building in question is an historic D-Listed Building within the World Heritage Site which requires some sensitivity to ensure its preservation. All such developments require approval by the St. George’s Preservation Society which is chaired by the Corporation of St. George’s. This also means that all such developments require a higher level of scrutiny and attention. This will add a lot more time to the process than a conventional building or project.
“Since August 2022, the Department of Planning has sought to work with Mr. Thomas to ensure that this development was a success. This included guiding him through the retroactive planning application process to retain the extractor fan. That application process took place from late October 2022 through to November 10, 2022, when Planning offered to allow a partial restaurant opening which would include the secondary kitchen, dining room, takeout facility and items that did not require using the unapproved Exhaust Fan.
“Subsequently, from November 14 through December 15, 2022, the development went through the Retroactive Application process, which was presented to the Development Advisory Board [DAB].
“Ultimately the DAB refused the application in accordance with Section 20 [2A] of the Development and Planning Act which does not allow the DAB to approve retroactive applications.
“The Applicant appealed the decision around mid December, and following the formal review process by the Department of Planning, the Minister approved the Appeal on January 18.
“The Department of Planning was advised of the Minister’s decision and directed to prepare the Minister’s decision letter. Regrettably there was a delay in the formal notification.
“The Ministry laments that this matter has been the cause of frustration and stress for Mr. Thomas, however, hopes that the development can now move forward for the benefit of the community.”
“Administrative backlog” is the civil servant excuse for giving crappy and rude service.
Roban has never had a proper job. That’s why he thinks this is even remotely acceptable.
That is a very detailed explanation. It almost sounds like the Minister signed his decision after the manure hit the fan and now our PLP Government is trying to make itself look good by blaming civil servants (“the issue was due to an administrative backlog”)
Don’t worry the fans will believe him.
Knowing how controversial this issue had become, the Minister should have immediately called Mr. Thomas the day he signed the approval to let him know it had been approved. Then he could have taken another step to say confirmation will be sent by the Planning Dept, and call him if they have not sent this within 5 days. Instead, the blame game begins and Mr. Thomas is put in a difficult position for no reason, apart from incompetence in government.
Backlog my a**.
Reality is it is now time for the VOTERS to use their DRANO and clean out the CLOG.
Well we know what the voting public/people/civil service/BIU think about the OBAUBP 30-6. Now go and change the name again and place Jarrion Richards as the next front man leader like you do every black men/women and member that came before him. Another wheel on the CLOGG.
Keep up the big lie. Never give up on the big lie.