00:00A high court decision now prevents the state-run Urban Development Corporation, Uricot, from evicting vendors from the iconic breakfast
00:07shed waterfront facility until the long-running commercial dispute is formally heard in January of 2027.
00:14The legal battle centers on nearly $2 million in alleged rental arrears accumulated by the Femme du Chalet Cooperative Society,
00:22which manages the facility.
00:24However, the cooperative's newly appointed board, led by former government minister Robert Lee Hunt, maintains that the dispute extends far
00:32beyond a simple issue of unpaid rent.
00:34Management contends that vendors have been saddled with an extraordinary financial burden for years, alleging a history of unresolved operational
00:43challenges.
00:44Further allegations surround massive electricity bills from an incorrect commercial utility classification, which, according to management, outweighs the amount of
00:54rental arrears.
00:55The cultural landmark, which serves traditional Caribbean cuisine, has supported small entrepreneurs and local families since its inception nearly 100
01:04years ago.
01:04It was relocated to its current site two decades ago to make way for the city's International Waterfront Center and
01:12the Hyatt Regency Hotel.
01:13Lawyers representing the vendors successfully argue that the current injunction protecting their operations must remain in place to offer stability
01:21to the workforce.
01:22While the management team has drafted a comprehensive financial recovery plan to settle outstanding obligations, they know they have not
01:30yet been granted an opportunity to formally present it to Udicot or other state officials.
01:36For the time being, the shutters will remain open on the Femme du Chalet.
01:40Alicia Boucher, TV6 News.
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