Michael Finnegan at the New Michael Finnegan Market

There is a spanking new market in the south side; it was inaugurated this morning and replaces the old Queen Square Market. Construction of the one point three million dollar building was funded by the Caribbean Development Bank, the project was overseen by the Social Investment Fund and the City Council is responsible for its upkeep. The market is named after the Area Representative, a known patron to the seventy vendors. News Five’s Jose Sanchez reports.

Jose Sanchez, Reporting

The Old Market next to the National Transport Bus stop was in ruins for years. The plan to build a new market meant that vendors had to move. There were many complaints at the temporary location from both the vendors and the city council. However, construction has been completed and today the new facility has been blessed.

Father Dorrick Wright

“Bless this market and all those who will come here to do business amen.”

The ribbon was cut by the city councilors as well as Diane Finnegan.  The market was named after Mesopotamia Area Representative Michael Finnegan, who the mayor revealed is a regular at the market.

Zenaida Moya Flowers, Belize City Mayor

“I myself have met Mister Finnegan after Sunday mass as he would get out of his vehicle to buy ingredients for his famous Sunday dinner. And for those of you who don’t know, Mr. Finnegan bubbles the best cow foot and conch soup in Belize.”

Michael finnegan

Michael Finnegan, Area Representative, Mesopotamia

“Although it is named after me, it is about the people. Government and the Belize City Council working together to create a friendly and more conducive environment for the Belizean public.”

Jose Sanchez

“How soon should we see you at Finnegan’s market buying your goods?”

Michael Finnegan

“The first stall weh come in, I wah be the first shopper.”

Jose Sanchez

“And yow ah buy cow foot?”

Michael Finnegan

“Well if they have it, I wah get it from here, but I likie buy mi cow foot from Southside Meat Shop because ih more tendor when yo bboil it and when yo boil it, ih boil quicker. Basically I woulda wah give Mista Lizarraga wah plug.”

zenaida moya flowers

Zenaida Moya Flowers

“This market is a project that will definitely have the vendors feel happy about their whole environment that they will be selling in. As you can see the entire grounds are paved—have brick pavers on it which ensure that they no longer have to walk in mud. Their produce and products will be able to be stored in well designed tiled concrete facilities. Every amenity that they need, they will have the restrooms. They have an area to wash, proper ventilation, electricity. Everything that they need, they will have. So, I foresee no reason for complaints.”

Jose Sanchez

“Every government we’ve had—whether P.U.P. or U.D.P. have built, but when it comes to upkeep that has always been a questionable factor. When it comes to  do you have in place?”

Zenaida Moya Flowers

“Well. We have a councilor responsible for markets, Councilor Kevin Singh. And so no doubt, him and the clerk of market, Miss Bernadette Saldivar will see that this facility is properly maintained.”

Jose Sanchez

“We shouldn’t see the vendors complaining anymore about having to move about conditions?”

Michael Finnegan

“Well you know how people are, you would want to believe so but there will be something here and there. And people complaining; that is good for democracy, it is healthy. If they aren’t complaining, something is wrong. We want to hear complains so that we can better the situation.”

Jose Sanchez

“Michael Finnegan at the Finnegan Market, you like the title though?”

Michael Finnegan

“The title? The people like the title.”

The vendors officially move into the market this coming Sunday. But with new facilities may come increased fees.  Reporting for News Five, Jose Sanchez.