EDITORIAL
The reopening of the section of the Wickham-Lewis boardwalk that had been closed for months is sweet relief to pedestrians, drivers and boat operators. It almost appears strange to view an unobstructed area around the traffic lights to Wharf Road where the pedestrian walkway used to partially block the left lane of traffic. Now that is a thing of the past, as renovations are complete and that portion is once again open to the public.
Our capital city, though steeped in history, has seemed similarly constrained in recent years and has suffered a decline in popularity. There are areas in Bridgetown that are magnificent and clearly show an improvement over how the city looked years before. The beautiful Independence Square and the Wickham-Lewis boardwalk provide picturesque backdrops for locals and tourists alike to enjoy. Unfortunately, abandoned, derelict buildings counteract that effect and – as is the case with the eyesore on Hincks Street – significantly detract from the surrounding restored buildings. Moving away from the City to Bay Street (and the abomination that is the Empire Theatre), there are more than a few buildings that look as if they come straight out of the 18th century, and not in the charmingly restored manner of, say, old Dutch architecture of Aruba.
To add straw to this particular camel’s back, businesses have been moving out of the capital city for some time, so while it is a hub – and an important historical hub at that – it no longer owns the reputation of a metropolis as it did in earlier centuries. In fact, Warrens has developed into an unexpected nucleus, with several towers and corporate businesses signalling major commercial activity.
We are aware that the redevelopment of Bridgetown is still on the agenda, despite the acknowledged snail’s pace it is taking to get there, and it is doing so through private or public intervention, such as the restoration of the Jewish Synagogue (and expansion of the Jewish cemetery) and ongoing renovations on Queen’s Park House. Even buildings that have been abandoned for years have not been forgotten, for example, the old Library in Whitepark Road. Efforts have been made to attract interest back to the City, with events such as Bridgetown Alive and the more recent ‘Come Town’ initiative, tours of Bridgetown, late night shopping and other events organised wholly or partially by the Barbados Chamber of Commerce.
Activities surrounding the 50th anniversary celebrations and associated activities showed that Barbadians and the Diaspora are hungry for expressions of patriotism. We were not surprised in the least that there was an overwhelming response from the public in purchasing Barbadian paraphernalia or having interest in our history. However, the reality is that Bridgetown has to show it is open for business, so to speak, and that, despite its historic status as commemorated in the UNESCO inscription, it is a city ready for the demands of modern life. We are fully aware this sentiment is equally applicable to Speightstown, which too has suffered a loss of popularity. One suspects that more long-term, creative initiatives will bring the public back, particularly those that marry Bridgetown’s historic functions with a modern addition. For example, it would be interesting to see a twist on the customary Saturday morning Bridgetown market shopping activity, where vendors can set up a pudding and souse “station” and City-wide, free Wi-Fi access provided for a few hours; or featured musical acts every month, showcasing up-and-coming bands in Independence Square through free, open-air concerts. Whatever the activity, Bridgetown has to recapture the public’s imagination to regain its pride of place in Barbadian heritage.