NCC in Controversy Over Possession of Shirley's Food Hut Following Owner's Passing

Tempers flared yesterday as the National Conservation Commission (NCC) moved in at Bay Garden, Oistins, Christ Church, to take possession of the stall which Shirley Roberts rented for close to 30 years before she passed away in June.

However, the NCC workers who arrived to change the locks were met by three angry children of the deceased who charged that it was their mother’s dying wish that the food business remain in the family.

A large crowd gathered around the pink stall called Shirley’s Food Hut as police were called in by the NCC as well as the family.

Ken Roberts, Trudi Dottin and adopted daughter Monique Best, who was to be the one taking over the business, questioned why they were being treated in that manner by the state agency given that relatives of other deceased stall owners were allowed to take over their business.

Best, who spoke out about the situation last Friday, called the NCC’s actions “hard”, as they were still grieving their mother’s death.

An upset and emotional Dottin told police and NCC officials in no uncertain terms how she felt about the situation.

“I am not happy with this decision because my mother always said this business was to remain in the family. My sister may not be blood but she is my sister. My mother raised her from three weeks old and it was her desire that my sister take over the business. She has been working in this business for the past two years.