Residents protest as Harbour View landmark faces possible closure

It was not a peaceful Ash Wednesday for dozens of persons in Harbour View as they voiced displeasure at plans that may cause the popular Danny's Marina Sports Bar and Seafood Restaurant to close.

The land that occupies the parking lot of the establishment, which has been in existence for over four decades, is reportedly being leased to another entity, allegedly to build a gas station.

Danny Davis, operator of the popular spot, told THE STAR that without the use of the parking lot, he will have to close down.

"Some people came here and lease the area which includes the parking lot. I had asked to lease it before them and I was told that I would be getting it but I didn't. I have a lease on the property where the restaurant is, though. We heard that a gas station is going to be built where the parking lot is and this will mean that my customers will not have anywhere to park," he said. "Even helicopter land over here. We do function here suh and sometimes we don't even have enough space to park."

He said that he and his family have been on the property for over four decades and it was his grandmother's lifelong dream to transform the space into a seafood joint.

"Mi deh here from mi a pickney and now I have grey hair. It is a historical landmark for me and this establishment is one that I cannot part from. I have 15 persons on staff whose jobs are being threatened by this and it is not fair. The people come out to support me because anything happen, is Danny them come to and I will not turn my back," he said.

A placard-bearing man who identified himself only as Jah Win told the news team that for years he has proudly watched Davis build the establishment for 20 years.

"It build from scratch because it was absolutely nothing but a little beach. Mi watch Danny tired and drop dung the way him work hard. To see how far this man take the place and now is like dem wah him close down is really sad. No one should want to destroy what he work so hard for," Jah Win said.

Another protester stated that Davis has been a cheerful giver and is a light to the area.

"When dem man here a give dem nah post it on social media. Him feed and employ nuff a we. Danny is a good man and mi memba when the place did dark and a bare woman a get rape and the man come vibes up the place and now dem want it lock. We don't want any gas station here. We good with Danny's Marina," she said.