“Existing vendors should be given a fair chance to recoup some of what they lost as a result of the impact on the local economy from the pandemic,” said Minister of Public Works, Lt. Col. the Hon. David A. Burch, OBE (Mil), ED, JP, MP.

In accordance with the Procurement Code of Practice, the Minister has decided to terminate a Request for Proposals (RFP) issued to the public on 23 December 2022.

In that RFP, the Department of Parks invited proposals from suitable concessionaires to give beach/park concession services at 18 public parklands for summer 2023 (1 March to 31 December) against a deadline of 3 February 2023.

However, the Minister, having heard from concessionaires approved for the last period, considered the financial hardship they have suffered over the past two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Minister Burch added: “I’ve listened to their concerns, which I regard as legitimate. Therefore instead of proceeding with the latest RFP on the 18 parklands in question – all concessionaires currently in place will be offered a three year renewal. If a concessionaire declines the offer then those sites will be advertised for new concessionaires.

“I’ve always said that we are a Government that listens, and sometimes course correction is trait of that willingness to listen. 

“I have no doubt that residents and visitors will benefit from the many services available at these locations during the summer season.”