Local Government Minister Desmond Mckenzie has chided the Westmoreland Municipal Corporation for allowing persons to utilize public markets without proper lease agreements. 

Speaking during a tour of the Whitehouse Market Yesterday, Mr. Mckenzie said on a previous visit to the market, he asked for a copy of the lease agreement.

He said he was ‘very disturbed’ to learn that there is no lease agreement in place.

The minister said Municipal Corporations can’t sell, lease or rent property,  unless the Local Government Ministry assesses the process.

He said in keeping with government policy, the application would go to the ministry, then to the Land Divestment Committee.

Mr. Mckenzie said the matter has to be addressed.

He said the ministry will ensure that government policies are honored, as it relates to the leasing, renting and disposing of properties.