Tourism Minister Charles Fernandez says the two locally operated restaurants he is aware of at Half Moon Bay will not be moved, offering reassurance in response to a listener’s question about their future.

Speaking on the Browne and Browne Show, Fernandez said the government supports local ownership.

“There are two restaurants that I’m aware of there. They’re local that run those restaurants,” he said. “We’re not going to move them.”

Fernandez added that Cabinet was “very strong about local ownership” and said the operators need not worry if displacement was their concern.

The assurance came after a listener initially asked about plans for local businesses at Half Moon Bay, then clarified that the question concerned the restaurants.

In his initial response, Fernandez said Minister Rawdon Turner was working with the Ministry of Tourism on proposals for pop-up businesses associated with the beach area.

He said several people had expressed interest, but stressed that the businesses would need to be accommodated in a way that preserves the area’s appearance.

“We have to ensure how we do it so it doesn’t become unsightly,” Fernandez said.

He did not announce a timetable or final arrangements for the proposed pop-ups.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Local restaurants at Half Moon Bay will not be moved, Fernandez says.