Park concessionaires have been given a three-year extension on their licences in light of hardships cause by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Ministry of Public Works today announced the cancellation of a previous request for proposals that would have invited concessionaires for 18 parks and beaches.

But public works minister Lieutenant-Colonel David Burch said that after listening to current concessionaires describe how the pandemic had affected their businesses, he decided to give them a second chance.

Colonel Burch added: “I’ve always said that we are a government that listens and sometimes course correction is a trait of that willingness to listen.

“I have no doubt that residents and visitors will benefit from the many services available at these locations during the summer season.”

The request for proposals would have prepared concessionaires from March 1 to the end of December.