Tanner Street gutter repairs to be given priority, while South Street will be renamed in honour of the late Oscar Mason

The Ministry of Works is expected to undertake much-needed repairs on the Tanner Street gutter.

The waterway serves as the main artery by which overflow from the Country Pond is channelled to the sea.  But, according to officials, the dilapidated condition of the gutter has been an eyesore in the city of St. John’s for too long.

They say that manpower at the Public Works Department is to be increased to ensure that this project is completed as a matter of priority.

Meanwhile, the Cabinet agreed that South Street will be renamed in honour of a musical icon, the late Oscar Mason.

As Mason’s contributions are being recognized, many locals have referred to him as a cultural giant.

“He has made a significant impact on the calypso art form, having been a mentor to many of the early calypsonians, such as Zemaki (Zee-mack-eye), King Obstinate, King Short Shirt, King Swallow, Tennyson, Franco, Bottle, and King Creole. to name a few,” this week’s Cabinet Notes say.

Mason was a multi-instrumentalist who passed his talent on to his children, who, at one time, populated several bands.