Mayor defends horse and carriage ban
Date Posted: Wednesday, April 09, 2008Author: Bermuda Network News
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The Corporation of Hamilton has hit back at comments made by Junior Minister for Tourism & Transport Wayne Caines regarding its recent decision to ban horses and carriages from Harbour Nights.
In a press statement yesterday, Senator Caines accused Mayor Sutherland Madeiros of overstepping his authority.
Mr Madeiros said: “I have today received a letter from the Junior Minister for Tourism & Transport subsequent to his press announcement yesterday regarding horse and carriages. I would like to categorically state that I and the Members of Corporation of Hamilton made an informed decision and have not overstepped our authority in any way shape or form, as stated yesterday by the Junior Minister for Tourism & Transport. We have approached the horses and carriages issue regarding Harbour Nights on a consultative basis. Since the unfortunate incident last spring, we have met with Bermuda Chamber of Commerce, Mr. and Mrs. Charles, the Government Veterinarian, the SPCA and visited TCD licensing officers prior to making this difficult decision. We have not been made privy to the official Police report, but we were informed by a senior police officer that the report was inconclusive.
“We were aware that this decision would impact horse and carriage owners and we therefore offered them the option of plying their trade from Albuoy’s Point—away from the busy activities of Harbour Nights--but they refused our offer.
“It is disappointing that the government has decided to comment on an issue which is not part of their remit and it is interesting to note that the letter from the Junior Minister does not refer to me overstepping my authority, despite his media comments to that effect yesterday.
“Whilst the recent Ordinance regarding the horses and carriage ban refers to the streets of Hamilton, the intent was to ban horses and carriages in the vicinity of Harbour Nights activities and this will be clarified before the opening of Harbour Nights on 30 April.”